Indiana GOP governor indicates he has not given up on redistricting effort

Indiana's Republican Gov. Mike Braun on Tuesday indicated that he has not given up on his state's legislature redrawing its congressional map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, despite warnings in the state Senate that there were not enough votes to do it.

Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, a Republican, confirmed last week that his party does not have the votes in the upper chamber necessary to advance a redistricting effort in a potential special session next month. Braun called for the special session last month but at least eight Republican state senators have already said they would vote against redistricting.

Braun said on social media that he would "explore all options" to force the Indiana Senate to vote on redistricting as he faces pressure from the White House, including President Donald Trump himself. The Indiana House said it would vote on redistricting.

"I am glad to see [Indiana House] Speaker [Todd] Huston and House Republicans publicly endorse the need for fair maps," Braun posted on X. "We look forward to them returning in December to vote to advance them. Momentum is building and it’s time now for our state senators to commit to showing up for work.

"Unfortunately ... Bray was forced to partner with Democrats to block an effort by the growing number of America First Senators who wanted to have a vote on passing fair maps," he continued. "Now I am left with no choice other than to explore all options at my disposal to compel the State Senate to show up and vote."

The governor added that he supports Trump's call to primary Senate Republicans who refused to support the redistricting effort.

The moves come as the Trump administration and Republican leaders have launched redistricting efforts in multiple states this year, which would ideally help the GOP secure more seats in Congress during next year's midterms. Some Democratic-led states, like California, are redrawing their own maps in retaliation for potential conservative gains. 

The efforts have had some successes in states like Texas, Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina, though a federal court on Tuesday blocked Texas from using its new map next year. That case is expected to move quickly to the U.S. Supreme Court. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.