Indiana Republicans Remain Noncommittal on Mid-Decade Redistricting After Vance Meeting

Vice President JD Vance visited Indiana to urge Republican leaders, including Gov. Mike Braun, to support a mid-decade redistricting effort aimed at turning two Democratic-held House seats into Republican-leaning districts, as part of President Donald Trump's broader push. However, Indiana's top Republicans, including Braun, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, and House Speaker Todd Huston, remained noncommittal, emphasizing they had only listened and would continue discussions without committing to redrawing the maps. The meetings occurred amid protests and skepticism among Republican operatives, with influential former Gov. Mitch Daniels opposing the mid-decade redistricting, citing concerns about public cynicism and fairness. Despite Vance's private meeting and the involvement of White House officials, Indiana Republicans showed reluctance to alter the current congressional districts outside the typical 10-year cycle. Democratic leaders criticized Republicans for their hesitation, attributing it to fear of unfavorable polling. Overall, the effort to prompt Indiana to redraw its maps met resistance and uncertainty, reflecting the complex political dynamics surrounding redistricting efforts ahead of the 2026 election.