The Indiana Senate delivered a major blow to President Donald Trump on Thursday, rejecting a Republican-led proposal to redraw the state’s congressional map. The plan, designed to strengthen GOP control ahead of the next midterm elections, failed in a decisive 31–19 vote, with a significant number of Republicans crossing party lines.
Trump’s Push for a New Map Falls Short
For months, Trump and top national Republicans urged Indiana lawmakers to support a mid-decade redistricting effort — an unusual move that would have dismantled the state’s two Democratic-held districts. Despite repeated public pressure, including threats of primary challenges, Senate GOP leaders said their members simply didn’t support the plan.
The Indiana House advanced the map last week, but the Senate firmly rejected it, marking a rare and public break between Trump and elected Republicans in a solidly red state.
Intense Pressure Campaign From National GOP Leaders
Trump, Vice President JD Vance, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and other Republican leaders pushed aggressively to persuade lawmakers. They made phone calls, held meetings, and used social media to encourage support for a map they believed would help maintain the GOP’s narrow majority in the U.S. House.
Trump specifically targeted Indiana lawmakers who were hesitant or opposed, including Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, warning that those who voted no could face MAGA-backed primary challengers.
Redistricting Battles Across the U.S.
Indiana’s rejection stands out as many other GOP-led states have already moved forward with new maps. Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have approved boundaries more favorable to Republicans, and Florida may soon follow.
However, with Indiana sticking to its current map, Republicans may lose a chance to gain additional advantages heading into 2026. Meanwhile, Democrats have secured mapping wins in California and Virginia, and a court-ordered map in Utah created a new Democratic district.
Lawmakers Report Threats, Swatting Attempts
The redistricting debate in Indiana escalated in a troubling way. Over a dozen Republican lawmakers say they received violent threats, harassment, and swatting attempts after Trump intensified his calls for the new map.
- Rep. Tim Yocum reported a pipe bomb threat after voting against the proposal.
- Sen. Michael Crider and Sen. Dan Dernulc received similar threats, and Dernulc said he had also been swatted twice.
- Sen. Greg Goode, frequently singled out by Trump, was the victim of a dangerous swatting incident in which police entered his home after receiving a false report.
Despite the threats, the lawmakers insisted their votes were not influenced by intimidation.
Goode: “My Vote Reflects the Will of My Constituents”
During the Senate debate, Goode said he spent months speaking with constituents who widely opposed a mid-decade redistricting map that would divide communities.
“I’m a Christian first, then an American, then a conservative, then a Republican — in that order,” he said, echoing a phrase commonly used by former Vice President Mike Pence. “I’m confident my vote reflects the will of my constituents.”
What Comes Next for Indiana
With the Senate’s rejection, Indiana will continue using its current congressional map. The vote ends Trump’s push for a major redistricting change in the state — and highlights the growing divisions within the Republican Party over how far to go in reshaping electoral boundaries.
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