Indiana Governor Calls Special Session for GOP Redistricting Ahead Midterms

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has called a special legislative session to redraw congressional maps in an effort to benefit Republicans and support President Trump's push to maintain GOP control of the House in the 2025 midterm elections. This move follows similar efforts by Republican-controlled states like Texas, North Carolina, and Missouri, which have already enacted new congressional maps favoring Republicans. Braun framed the special session as protecting Indiana residents from losing representation amid changes in other states, despite opposition within his own party, particularly from some members of the Indiana Senate who have expressed reluctance or resistance to the redistricting efforts. Trump and his allies, including Vice President JD Vance and conservative groups, have applied significant pressure on Indiana Republicans, threatening to back primary challengers against those opposing the redistricting. Democrats have criticized the move as a desperate political maneuver and have pursued their own map changes in some states, such as California and Virginia, to strengthen Democratic representation. The redistricting efforts are part of a broader national struggle over congressional control ahead of the midterms, with the Indiana legislature also being urged to address tax code reforms during the emergency session.