INDIANAPOLIS — President Trump continued his pressure campaign against Indiana Republicans Tuesday, warning Governor Mike Braun he must deliver two new GOP congressional seats or be the "only Governor, Republican or Democrat, who didn't."
In a Truth Social post, Trump targeted Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray as "a RINO State Senator" and "the primary problem" blocking redistricting efforts. Trump said Bray would "soon have a Primary Problem" along with any politicians supporting him.
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The latest post follows Trump's Sunday criticism of Bray and Senator Greg Goode. Hours after Trump named Goode publicly, the senator became a victim of a "swatting" incident—a prank involving false emergency reports that brought police to his home.
The Vigo County Sheriff's Office confirmed deputies responded to Goode's residence after receiving a false violence report, but found all occupants "secure, safe, and unharmed."
Braun Responds
Following Trump's weekend criticism, Braun announced he had a "great call" with the president Monday, reaffirming his "commitment to standing with him on the critical issue of passing fair maps in Indiana."
Braun shifted focus to Senate Republicans, saying they are "hiding behind closed doors and refusing to even bring redistricting to a vote."
WATCH BELOW: Governor Mike Bruan on redistricting
On Tuesday, Braun doubled down on his commitment with the following statement:
“I am glad to see Speaker Huston and House Republicans publicly endorse the need for fair maps. 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, Sen. Rod 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. 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.
“I will support President Trump’s efforts to recruit, endorse, and finance primary challengers for Indiana’s senators who refuse to support fair maps.”
Despite the pressure, Bray announced Friday that there are insufficient votes for redistricting and will not reconvene in December as planned.
Bray released the following statement in response to the Governor's comments:
"Senate Republicans may have a difference of opinion on a policy matter with the governor, and that happens from time to time, but we are committed to pursuing policies that will make life better for Hoosiers, and we will continue to look for ways to collaborate with the governor."
On Tuesday, during Organization Day at the Statehouse, both chambers voted to adjourn until January.
Senator Bray told reporters they would rather support efforts to elect a republican in the existing First Congressional District, which he says has been trending Republican for years in order to help Republicans maintain a majority in the U.S. House.
House Speaker Todd Huston send a statement saying he told him team to keep the first two weeks of December open on their calendars, hoping the Senate will decide to return.
Huston released the following statement:
"Throughout the ongoing good-faith discussions over congressional redistricting in Indiana, I’ve made it clear that House Republicans have the necessary votes to address this issue, and we stand ready to get the job done.
"It’s time for Hoosiers to acknowledge that we’re not operating in a vacuum. Multiple states around the country—from California and Virginia to Texas and Missouri—have already drawn or are in the process of redrawing their maps. California Democrats got a proposition on the ballot that recently passed to eliminate up to five Republican congressional seats and Virginia Democrats just started their own redistricting effort to eliminate up to four Republican congressional seats.
"Ultimately, I hope Congress takes action to prohibit mid-decade redistricting to ensure every state is operating under the same rules. But until that happens, Indiana cannot bury its head in the sand. This is not a question of whether we join the fight—the fight is already here. The choice is whether we choose to unilaterally disengage or use every legal tool at our disposal to win and ensure Republicans have a fair chance in upcoming federal elections.
"I’ve told my team to continue keeping the first two weeks of December open on their calendars. My hope is that our great colleagues in the Senate embrace this political reality and that we all return for a special session to pass a 9-0 Republican map."
House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta released a statement saying he is cautiously optimistic that redistricting has no path forward:
"After today's vote by both chambers to adjourn until January, House Democrats are cautiously optimistic that redistricting our congressional districts has no path forward. I want to thank the Hoosiers from all corners of our great state who called and emailed their legislators and showed up to town halls and rallies to voice their opinion. This is how our state government should work – being responsive to the wishes and desires of the people we were elected to serve.
"When the regular session kicks off in January, House Democrats will continue focusing on making Indiana more affordable. Hoosiers are struggling to make ends meet. That's why House Democrats will focus on cutting the cost of utilities, health care, housing and child care this year. Hoosiers make too little for life in Indiana to be this unaffordable. The General Assembly can solve these problems for people, and House Democrats are excited to get to work in January."
Senator Bray's full statement regarding redrawing Indiana's congressional maps mid-cycle:
"I want to be abundantly clear that our Senate Republican Caucus wants to see a Republican-held House in 2026 so that President Trump can continue making progress on important issues like fighting illegal immigration and crime in our country.
"However, many in my caucus, myself included, do not feel that redrawing our Congressional districts mid-cycle is the best way to achieve that goal. We would rather support efforts to elect a Republican in the existing 1st Congressional District, which has been trending Republican for the last several years and would give President Trump another Republican in Congress.
"We don't believe the choice to redistrict is a binary choice where we will either keep a 7-2 map or draw one that automatically becomes 9-0. Candidates in these hypothetical districts have not walked a parade, attended a county fair or raised a dollar. And that's before we get through primary season, in which we can assuredly expect competition.
"I've had the honor to speak with the President on this issue, and I have expressed to him that our caucus is supportive of him and wants to maintain Republican control of the House, which is why we believe pursuing Congressional District 1 is the best way forward."
