Indiana's Republican-led state Senate has decided against convening in December to redraw congressional maps, dealing a setback to President Donald Trump's push for mid-decade redistricting. Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray announced the chamber lacks sufficient votes after a private caucus vote. The move marks the fourth state where such efforts have stalled amid White House involvement.
On Friday, Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, declared that the Indiana Senate will not reconvene in December to redraw the state's congressional maps. "Over the last several months, Senate Republicans have given very serious and thoughtful consideration to the concept of redrawing our state’s congressional maps," Bray said in a statement. "Today, I’m announcing there are not enough votes to move that idea forward, and the Senate will not reconvene in December." This decision follows a private test vote with his caucus and represents a significant obstacle to the White House's strategy to bolster Republican control of the U.S. House ahead of next year's elections.
In response, Trump's team has invited Indiana lawmakers to the Oval Office as early as next week, according to two sources familiar with the request. Vice President JD Vance has actively engaged, traveling to Indiana twice on Air Force Two and hosting lawmakers at the White House. Trump met with Bray and state House Speaker Todd Huston in August to discuss the issue. The effort in Indiana, a state Trump won easily in November 2024, is the fourth where Republican-led redistricting has faltered despite pressure from Trump and his allies.
The announcement drew sharp criticism from Trump supporters. Alex Bruesewitz, a Trump ally, posted on X: "Our party can no longer afford to harbor these gutless, self-serving traitors who stab us in the back while accomplishing absolutely nothing." GOP Gov. Mike Braun, who called for a special session but lacks authority to force a vote, urged the Senate to "do the right thing and show up to vote for fair maps," adding, "Hoosiers deserve to know where their elected officials stand on important issues."
One anonymous source close to the process disputed Bray's account, claiming "the House has the votes and the Senate is very close to having the votes," and accusing Bray of "betraying Republicans and lying to the public." Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.), whose district was targeted, praised the outcome: "Prayer, people, and partnerships power change. Hoosiers do things differently. We’re about collaboration, not division... This is a win for all of us."
Meanwhile, Democratic efforts are advancing elsewhere, with California voters approving a measure potentially netting five seats, and similar pushes in Virginia, Maryland, and Illinois. In Kansas, Republican leaders faced similar resistance and plan to revisit redistricting in January's regular session.