Indiana House approves congressional map favored by Republicans

On Friday, the Indiana House of Representatives approved a new congressional map that could create two additional opportunities for Republicans in the 2026 elections. Introduced just days prior by Republican lawmakers, the proposal passed with a 57-41 vote, setting the stage for GOP advantage across all nine districts.

The updated boundaries would particularly reduce Democratic strength in the 1st Congressional District, currently held by Rep. Frank Mrvan, and the 7th Congressional District, represented by Rep. Andr Carson. Analysis from Daves Redistricting indicates that under this new map, Mrvans district, which narrowly supported Vice President Kamala Harris in November 2024, would have favored former President Donald Trump by 12 points. Carsons district, centered around Indianapolis and previously voting for Harris by nearly 42 points, would have shifted to a 19-point margin in favor of Trump.

The proposed map will now move to the Indiana Senate, where its fate is uncertain. The Senate is expected to convene on Monday to consider the measure. Recent pressure from Trump and his allies has urged Republican-controlled states to redraw congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterms, intensifying in Indiana after Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray acknowledged that support for redistricting within his caucus was initially insufficient.

Trump has warned that Republicans who resist redistricting could face primary challenges, a threat compounded by recent incidents of swatting and bomb threats directed at some lawmakers. Bray indicated that the Senate would reconvene to make a final decision on any House proposals, though it remains unclear whether a new map will secure the necessary backing.

Author: Lucas Grant