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By Anna Commander
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A handful of Indiana Republicans shot down a bill on Thursday aimed at redistricting the state ahead of the midterm elections. The move comes as President Donald Trump announced support for the bill and took numerous swipes at Republican State Senate Pro Tem Rodric Bray about backing it.
Why It Matters
The bill's failure represents a rupture in Republican ranks and highlights the ongoing national debate over partisan map-drawing.
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The proposal, which aimed to secure additional Republican seats, was defeated by a coalition of 21 GOP lawmakers—despite their party's overwhelming majority—and all 10 chamber Democrats. This loss could potentially impact Republican chances in the 2026 midterms and possibly threaten the GOP's slim House majority.
What To Know
The Indiana redistricting proposal would have split Indianapolis into four congressional districts favorable to Republicans. The measure, which passed the Indiana House with a 57-41 vote, was heavily lobbied for by President Trump, who launched personal attacks against Bray and pressured Republican lawmakers to support the bill.
However, the final Senate vote was 19 in favor and 31 against. Among the 31 senators in opposition, 21 were Republicans.
Below is a list of the Indiana Republican lawmakers who voted against the bill, according to CSPAN:
- Senator Bray
- Senator Eric Bassler
- Senator Mike Bohacek
- Senator Vaneta Becker
- Senator Brian Buchanan
- Senator James Buck
- Senator Ed Charbonneau
- Senator Brett Clark
- Senator Michael Crider
- Senator Spencer Deery
- Senator Dan Dernulc
- Senator Blake Doriot
- Senator Susan Glick
- Senator Greg Goode
- Senator Travis Holdman
- Senator Jean Leising
- Senator Ryan Mishler
- Senator Rick Niemeyer
- Senator Linda Rogers
- Senator Greg Walker
- Senator Kyle Walker
In a statement sent to Newsweek via email on Thursday, state Senator Gary Byrne said, "I am disappointed that the Senate failed to pass House Bill 1032, which would have redrawn Indiana's congressional maps to ensure our conservative voice is heard in Washington, D.C."
Byrne continued, "Our state had a huge chance to help our country at a time when we needed it most, and we missed it. I will continue to fight for my constituents in Senate District 47 and continue to fight to protect our conservative values no matter what."
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What People Are Saying
Bray in an emailed statement to Newsweek on Thursday: "Indiana Senate Republicans want to see a Republican majority in congress at the midterms. The issue before us today was how to get there, and many of my caucus members don't think redrawing our Congressional map mid-cycle is a guaranteed way for Indiana – or our country – to achieve that outcome."
Bray continued: "We support President Trump, and we are with him on many important issues like immigration enforcement and public safety, and Hoosiers will see legislation from our caucus this session that works in partnership with the federal government to further those efforts. Further, we are grateful for the way President Trump speaks about our great nation full of good people. It's time to turn the page. Hoosiers need leadership from their state government that will continue to improve our education system and make life more affordable for Hoosiers."
Vice President JD Vance before the vote on X on Thursday: "Rod Bray, the Senate leader in Indiana, has consistently told us he wouldn't fight redistricting while simultaneously whipping his members against it. That level of dishonesty cannot be rewarded, and the Indiana GOP needs to choose a side."
Trump on Truth Social in part of a lengthy post on Wednesday night: "Anybody that votes against Redistricting, and the SUCCESS of the Republican Party in D.C., will be, I am sure, met with a MAGA Primary in the Spring. If Republicans will not do what is necessary to save our Country, they will eventually lose everything to the Democrats. Rod Bray and his friends won’t be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again. One of my favorite States, Indiana, will be the only State in the Union to turn the Republican Party down!"
What Happens Next
Although Indiana’s effort has stalled, redistricting initiatives continue in states such as Virginia and Maryland, Florida and California.
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