Indiana state GOP hesitant on redistricting as Trump, Congress push map redraw

Indiana state Republicans are uncertain about redistricting to pick up a congressional seat, while the state's congressional delegation is pushing President Donald Trump's plan.

Earlier this month, Vice President JD Vance discussed the administration's redistricting plan with Indiana GOP leaders in person, and White House staff have been calling state legislators, Republicans in the state told The Washington Post.

“The pressure from the White House is intense,” Indiana Republican state Rep. Ed Clere said, adding that he has not been contacted but knows others who have. He has previously said special sessions “should be reserved for emergencies,” and that Trump’s “desperation to maintain a U.S. House majority by stacking the deck in favor of Republicans does not constitute an emergency.”

As the entire Indiana congressional delegation got on board with the redistricting plan last week, a group named Forward America has called Indiana residents, urging them to contact their legislators in support.

Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk said that his organization would back GOP primary challenges to state lawmakers “who refuse to support the team and redraw the maps.”

On Tuesday, the White House is hosting Indiana Republicans as part of a series hosting various states. Cabinet secretaries, senior White House officials, and members of the Domestic Policy Council will join and take questions from state officials. Clere said he would not attend.

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (R) has been reluctant to redraw the map, the Post reported, citing a person familiar with the matter. Huston's spokeswoman said he has not taken a position, while Gov. Mike Braun (R) recently said he has not decided whether to call a special session.

Meanwhile, state Rep. Jim Lucas (R) responded to Kirk calling out state GOP leaders, posting on X earlier this month, "I’m an Indiana State Representative. In Indiana, Republicans hold about 90% of all LOCALLY elected offices, have had a supermajority in both House and Senate since 2012, have the Governors [sic] office and every state elected position, and have 7 of 9 Congressional districts.

"Please help me understand the push to pick up MAYBE 1 Congressional seat while putting many good state elected officials at risk because of a political redistricting stunt!"