After Indiana Senate leaders said they would not reconvene in December to redraw congressional maps, President Donald Trump escalated attacks on state Republicans and warned he would back primary challengers to those who oppose mid-decade redistricting. Politico reports the White House is preparing to support Tipton County Commissioner Tracey Powell against Sen. Jim Buck, and hours after Trump criticized Sen. Greg Goode online, authorities said Goode was the target of a swatting incident.
Indiana’s redistricting push stalled Friday, when Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray announced there were not enough votes to bring lawmakers back in December to take up new congressional maps. Bray said the Senate would not reconvene next month, citing insufficient support. The decision effectively pauses efforts to redraw districts before the 2026 midterms. (Associated Press; Reuters)
Trump lashed out at Indiana Republicans over the weekend. In Truth Social posts on Sunday, he singled out Bray and state Sen. Greg Goode and rebuked Gov. Mike Braun for not delivering votes. “Any Republican that votes against this important redistricting, potentially having an impact on America itself, should be PRIMARIED,” Trump wrote. He also said, “Considering that Mike wouldn’t be Governor without me (Not even close!), is disappointing!” (WTHR/21Alive; local and national coverage summarizing Trump’s posts)
On Monday, Politico reported Trump was preparing to intervene directly in state legislative primaries, including by backing Tipton County Commissioner Tracey Powell against state Sen. Jim Buck of Kokomo, a Republican who has resisted the mid-cycle plan. Politico said an endorsement could come as early as Monday. (Politico)
Goode was the target of a “swatting” incident hours after Trump’s Sunday posts. Vigo County Sheriff Derek Fell said an email sent around 5 p.m. reported harm at a home in southeastern Vigo County; deputies responded and found everyone safe. Goode later said he and his family were “victims” and thanked authorities. Politico has reported that Goode has not publicly announced his position on redistricting. (Associated Press; Politico; Yahoo/Mediaite roundup of the sheriff’s statement)
The White House has courted Indiana lawmakers for months. Indiana GOP leaders met with Trump in the Oval Office in August to discuss redistricting, and Republican legislators were invited to Washington by the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Meanwhile, several Indiana Republicans have publicly declared positions: Sen. Scott Baldwin, for example, has said he supports moving forward with redistricting. (AP/ABC News; WISH-TV; Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Public opposition has been visible. Earlier this month, 71 people spoke against redistricting at a Goode town hall with none in favor, and advocates planned a rally at the Statehouse as lawmakers return for Organization Day on Tuesday, Nov. 18. (Politico; Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana currently has a 7–2 Republican advantage in its U.S. House delegation. Supporters of mid-decade redistricting argue new lines could add GOP seats; opponents—some of them Republicans—call the move unethical or politically risky. The Senate’s decision not to reconvene in December makes any near-term map change unlikely. (AP/ABC News; Reuters)
