Indiana Governor Calls Special Session for Congressional Redistricting
Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced today he is scheduling a special legislative session for November 3rd to redraw the state’s congressional boundaries, responding to pressure to create more winnable seats for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
The move follows weeks of lobbying from former President Donald Trump, who has urged Republicans in several states to adjust district maps to bolster the party’s control of the U.S. House. While Republicans in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have already enacted new districts, Indiana lawmakers have been hesitant. Governor Braun stated, “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.”
However, the success of the session remains uncertain, as some Indiana Senate Republicans currently lack the votes to pass a new map. A spokesperson for Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray indicated last week that the Senate did not have sufficient support, and that situation has not changed. With Republicans holding a supermajority in both chambers, any opposition could stall the effort. This comes as Democrats nationwide seek to regain control of the House, needing to flip just three seats to do so. Redistricting battles are common after each census, but mid-cycle adjustments are rare and often legally challenged – learn more about redistricting and gerrymandering from the Brennan Center for Justice.
The potential targets for redrawing include Indiana’s 1st Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Frank Mrvan, and the 7th District, encompassing Indianapolis. Mrvan stated, “I believe that representation should be earned through ideas and service, not political manipulation.” Similar efforts are underway in other states; in Virginia, Democrats are taking steps toward redistricting, and in Illinois, Democrats are considering redrawing maps to further solidify their majority. You can find more information about the current composition of Congress at house.gov.
Governor Braun indicated he would only call the session if he believed lawmakers would support a new map, and officials say the situation remains fluid as the November 3rd date approaches.
