INDIANA (WSBT) — The pressure has been mounting for Republican leaders to call for a special session for redistricting in Indiana.
Pressure from the White House has brought Vice President JD Vance to Indiana. Vance has been in the state’s capitol twice in recent months.
Lobbying efforts were made with personal phone calls from President Trump to lawmakers. But, as pressure mounts, could the movement to redistrict be losing steam or dead in Indiana?
WSBT reached out to multiple state senators and representatives for their answer to that very question.
WSBT 22 spoke with a state senator on the phone.
State Senator Linda Rogers said, “No comment. My goal is to listen to my constituents and that’s what I’m doing.”
The redistricting process happens every 10 years when a census is completed.
Redistricting changes the districts that determine which elected official represents you.
Indiana’s state legislature holds the power to redistrict and the last time that happened was in 2021. That lead the to a Republican majority of seven districts and two democratic districts.
New redistricting efforts could possibly change that to nine to zero with Republicans controlling all districts.
Governor Mike Braun has expressed his frustration about the support to get it done.
The governor posted on Wednesday on ‘X’ – formerly Twitter. “I am still having positive conversations with members of the legislature. I am confident the majority of Indiana Statehouse Republicans will support efforts to ensure fair representation in congress for every Hoosier.”
On the other hand, former Governor Mitch Daniels published an opinion piece in the Washington Post. He is wanting Indiana Republicans to keep control of the House but not through midterm redistricting. “I don’t underestimate the pressure Indiana’s leaders are under, and I empathize with them in the predicament they face, but I hope they’ll quietly and respectfully pass on this idea.”
Each congressional district must have an equal population. Including all children, noncitizens and others not eligible to vote.
The governor must call a special session to vote on midterm redistricting. So far, he hasn’t confirmed if he will call a special session.
Indiana redistricted in 2021 with the maps going into effect in November of 2022.
Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor, Republican Micah Beckwith, posted a statement to ‘X’ on Wednesday calling on his Republican colleagues to support redistricting efforts.
“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. Yet, here we are again. The Indiana Republican controlled Senate is failing to stand with President Trump, failing to to defend the voice of Hoosier voters, and failing to deliver the 9-0 conservative map our citizens overwhelmingly expect.”
There is no official map released as to what the congressional districts would look like if the Governor were to call a special session.
The next legislative session is scheduled for the beginning of next year, barring a special session.