Indiana Republicans defied former President Trump by voting down a proposed map meant to favor their party in next year’s midterms. Twenty-one Republican senators joined all 10 Democrats to reject the plan 31-19. The proposal had passed the House the week before.
If approved, the map could have flipped Indiana’s two Democratic-held congressional seats. Trump pushed GOP leaders to redraw maps to maintain a congressional majority, a strategy mirrored in states like Texas and California.
Republican State Senator Spencer Deery said his opposition to mid-cycle gerrymandering reflects his conservative principles. Governor Mike Braun expressed disappointment and said he would work with Trump to challenge dissenting lawmakers.
The vote came after months of White House lobbying, including visits by Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Democrats and local activists celebrated, calling it a victory against legal battles. The plan would have affected parts of Indianapolis and threatened Indiana’s only Black representative, André Carson.
This setback follows recent Democratic wins in off-year elections. Texas successfully moved forward with Trump-backed maps after a Supreme Court ruling, while California’s new maps are projected to add five seats for Democrats. Indiana Republicans defy Trump by rejecting a GOP-favored voting map, blocking redistricting plans, and sparking political debate nationwide.
