Republican opposing redistricting after Trump’s ableist slur due to having a child with Down syndrome

An Indiana Republican lawmaker whose daughter has Down syndrome has vowed to resist efforts to redraw the states congressional districts in favor of his party, following an ableist comment made by former President Donald Trump targeting a political opponent.

State Senator Michael Bohacek announced on Facebook that he has been a steadfast advocate for individuals with intellectual disabilities since his daughters birth. In response to Trumps insult directed at Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Bohacek emphasized, His choice of words carries consequences.

Bohacek declared he would vote against the redistricting plan, adding, I will be voting NO on redistricting; perhaps the next 10 months will allow voters to judge whether his policies and conduct merit a congressional majority.

The senators stance comes amid pressure from Trumps administration on Indiana Republicans to revise congressional boundaries to increase the partys seats in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterms. The state legislature is expected to consider such a partisan measure in December, although Senate leaders have warned that there is insufficient support to pass it.

In mid-November, Trump urged primary challenges against any Republican state senator who opposed the redistricting plan, stating on Truth Social, They should DO THEIR JOB, AND DO IT NOW! If not, lets get them out of office.

Since that post, NBC News reported that at least nine Republican officials in Indiana have faced swatting attacks, where false emergency calls are made to provoke armed law enforcement responses. State Senator Jean Leising also received a pipe bomb threat, attributing it to political pressure over redistricting. Indiana Governor Mike Braun, who supports the plan, confirmed he had received threats as well, calling for them to stop immediately.

Bohacek reaffirmed his defiance of Trump following another Truth Social post in which the former president disparaged Minnesotas Somali community and insulted Governor Walz using an ableist term. Many of Bohaceks Facebook followers expressed gratitude for his stance, while some noted it took a personal connection to prompt his opposition. Comments included messages urging concern for all people, not just those personally affected.

Bohacek has represented Indiana in the state senate since November 2016. Indiana is among several U.S. states where debates over partisan redistricting are ongoing. In recent months, Texas passed new congressional maps expected to favor Republicans, while California enacted a plan likely to benefit Democrats.

Author: Sophia Brooks