Indiana Senate Rejects Redistricting Bill, Defying Trump's Pressure Campaign

Indiana Senate Rejects Controversial Redistricting Effort

The Indiana State Senate delivered a notable rebuke to former President Donald Trump on Thursday, December 11, 2025, by rejecting a redistricting bill that sought to redraw the state's congressional map in favor of the Republican Party. The bill, which had passed the state House, failed in the Senate with a vote of 31-19. This outcome saw 21 Republican senators join all 10 Democratic senators in opposition, despite a significant Republican majority in the chamber.

Trump's Pressure Campaign and Bill's Intent

For months, former President Trump had actively pressured Indiana lawmakers to pass the redistricting measure. His efforts included public statements on social media, private discussions, and threats of primary challenges against Republican senators who resisted the plan. The proposed legislation aimed to increase the number of Republican-held congressional seats in Indiana from seven to potentially all nine, effectively eliminating the state's two Democratic-held districts. A key component of the bill involved splitting Marion County, which encompasses the Democratic stronghold of Indianapolis, into four districts that would extend into more rural, Republican-leaning areas. This strategy would have significantly altered the districts represented by U.S. Rep. André Carson and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan. Republican Indiana House Representative Ben Smaltz, the bill's author, openly stated that the map was drawn for 'political performance.'

Reasons for the Rejection

The bipartisan opposition to the bill stemmed from various concerns. Many senators expressed reservations about engaging in mid-decade redistricting, a practice typically reserved for the period following a decennial census. Opponents also cited concerns about partisan gerrymandering and its potential impact on fair representation. Several Republican senators, including Greg Goode, stated they were listening to their constituents who objected to the proposed splitting of counties. Senator Goode also criticized the 'over-the-top pressure' from outside the state. State Senator Greg Walker, a Republican, raised questions about the bill's constitutionality, particularly provisions designed to shield it from state court review. Additionally, some lawmakers reported receiving threats, including bomb threats and swatting attempts, during the contentious debate. Republican Senator Spencer Deery articulated a common sentiment among opponents, stating, 'The federal government should not dictate by threat or other means what should happen in our states.' Democratic Senator Fady Qaddoura emphasized the importance of competition, asserting that 'Any political party on earth that cannot run and win based on the merits of its ideas is unworthy of governing.'

Implications of the Vote

The rejection of the redistricting bill represents a significant setback for former President Trump's broader efforts to secure more Republican-favorable congressional districts across the country ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. While other states like Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina had previously complied with Trump's redistricting push, Indiana's decision stands out as a rare instance of a state's Republican-controlled legislature defying such pressure. Indiana Governor Mike Braun, a Republican who supported the redistricting, expressed disappointment with the outcome. Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, a Republican who had been a target of Trump's criticism, played a key role in the Senate's resistance.