INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana lawmakers returned to the Statehouse Monday as Republicans began a special session focused on redrawing congressional district maps ahead of the 2026 elections.
House Republicans released their proposed congressional map along with House Bill 1032, authored by Rep. Ben Smaltz. The bill would allow the General Assembly to redraw congressional districts outside the typical once-per-decade process that follows the U.S. census.
You can view the proposed map below:
Here's a comparison with the state's current map:
Democratic Opposition
Democrats have mounted strong opposition to the redistricting effort, arguing it's politically motivated and undermines democratic processes.
State Senator Fady Qaddoura of Indianapolis has filed competing legislation to ban mid-decade redistricting. Qaddoura spoke at a Democratic anti-redistricting rally at the Statehouse on Monday.
"What some political operatives are pushing for is something very different. They are calling it mid-decade redistricting. The process where those in power can re-write district lines whenever they fear losing political control," Qaddoura said.
His bill would prohibit redrawing district lines mid-decade unless a court orders changes due to constitutional violations.
WATCH | "Just say no!" Indiana Democrats rally against redistricting
Congressman André Carson, who represents one of Indiana's two Democratic congressional seats in Marion County, also criticized the redistricting plan.
"Splicing our state's largest city—and its biggest economic driver—into four parts is ridiculous," Carson said in a statement. "It's clear these orders are coming from Washington, and they clearly don't know the first thing about our community."
Legislative Schedule
The House gaveled in Monday, December 1 at 2 p.m. to reconvene the 2026 session, with House Speaker Todd Huston saying the early start means the chamber will "complete our legislative business by the end of February."
The Senate will reconvene December 8 to review any redistricting legislation approved by the House. Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said senators expect to make a final decision on the issue that week, with the Senate also planning to finish its work for the 2026 session by late February.
Opposition groups have scheduled "Rally Against Redistricting" events at the Statehouse for both December 1 and December 8, with MADVoters planning to return on December 2 for public comment at a committee hearing.
Ongoing Debate
The renewed redistricting effort follows calls from President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance for Indiana Republicans to approve a mid-cycle map change. Supporters of the proposal argue that a new map could result in two additional Republican-held U.S. House seats. The GOP currently holds seven of the state’s nine congressional districts.
Current map of Indiana's 9 congressional districts:
Bray previously said the Senate GOP caucus did not have enough votes to advance a redistricting plan. Trump has criticized Bray and other Republican senators publicly, including labeling Bray a “Complete and Total RINO,” and threatening to support primary challengers against those who oppose the effort.
Rising Threats Against Lawmakers
The political tension has been accompanied by an increase in threats against state officials. At least seven senators — along with Governor Mike Braun — have been targets of swatting attempts, bomb threats, or other harassment in recent weeks.
Governor Braun Continues to Apply Pressure
Governor Mike Braun has been one of the strongest voices urging lawmakers to vote on redistricting. He has repeatedly called for what he describes as “fair maps.”
In a statement about the decision to reconvene, Braun said:
“This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly convening to vote on fair maps. Hoosiers deserve to have fair representation in Washington and now the General Assembly needs to deliver a 9-0 map which will help level the playing field.”
Braun has also drawn criticism from Trump in recent weeks, but continues to pressure senators to take up the proposal in December.
For the latest news on redistricting in Indiana, click here.
