Indiana Gov. Mike Braun called a special session of the state lawmakers to consider redistricting the state to add more Republican seats to Congress. File Photo by Ting Shen/UPI | License Photo
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun called a special session Monday to consider redistricting the state’s congressional seats.
“I am calling a special legislative session to protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington and ensure their representation in Congress is fair,” Braun said in a statement.
Redistricting efforts have taken place since President Donald Trump asked Republican states to do so, hoping to give extra Republican-safe districts to Congress ahead of the midterm elections in 2026.
Texas added five seats after a prolonged battle. California is voting on whether to add five more Democratic seats in November, and Missouri added one seat in St. Louis. North Carolina also added a seat.
The president and Vice President JD Vance have visited Indiana to push for the change.
But some Indiana Republicans have spoken out against redistricting, including former Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, who wrote an opinion piece in the Washington Post.
“While the outcome sought is one I support, the tactic being employed to get there is not, and I hope earnestly that my state’s leaders will politely decline to participate,” he wrote.
“The people of Indiana did not elect a Republican supermajority so our Senate could cower, compromise, or collapse at the very moment courage is required,” Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith said on X in support of redistricting last week.
“For those trying to bully me on redistricting, I love you. I pray to our Lord and Savior for wisdom and reflect on political heroes who stood up for the greater good above the politics of the day,” state Sen. Gregory Goode wrote on X last week.
Virginia Democrats are expected to try to redistrict to add seats this month. Louisiana is awaiting a Supreme Court decision on its potential redistricting.
