Trump identifies Indiana state senators who require support on redistricting

On Friday, former President Donald Trump praised recent redistricting developments in Indiana while urging several state senators to support a new congressional map that could add two seats for Republicans in the 2026 midterm elections. He described the plan as "much fairer" and "enhanced," and commended GOP leaders in the Indiana General Assembly for approving the revised district lines earlier in the day.

Trump highlighted his past electoral success in Indiana, noting victories in the 2016, 2020, and 2024 primaries and general elections. On Truth Social, he emphasized that the new map would allow voters in Indiana to elect two additional Republicans in the upcoming midterms.

He called on the Indiana Senate to approve the map without changes and send it to Governor Mike Braun promptly, framing the action as a major Republican victory in Indiana and nationwide. Trump identified nine state senators he said "need encouragement" to support the plan: Blake Doriot, Brett Clark, Brian Buchanan, Dan Dernulc, Ed Charbonneau, Greg Goode, Jim Buck, Rick Niemeyer, and Ryan Mishler.

The updated congressional map, introduced by Republicans on Monday, passed in the House with a 57-41 vote. It is designed to favor GOP candidates across all nine districts, weakening the 1st and 7th districts currently held by Democratic Representatives Frank Mrvan and Andr Carson.

The measure now faces uncertainty in the state Senate, expected to review it on Monday. Trump and his allies have intensified efforts in multiple GOP-controlled states to redraw congressional boundaries before the 2026 midterms, even threatening to support primary challengers against Republicans who oppose such redistricting.

Some lawmakers who expressed skepticism about the plan have reported threats, including swatting and bomb threats. Trump, posting again on Saturday, questioned why Republicans would oppose the map and urged voters to replace those who do.

Governor Mike Braun has expressed support for the plan following Trumps pressure. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court recently delivered a related victory for Trump by reinstating a Texas congressional map that could provide up to five Republican pickup opportunities, highlighting ongoing redistricting battles across multiple states.

Author: Connor Blake