President Donald Trump’s efforts to alter congressional districts nationwide encountered a major setback when Indiana Senate President Rodric Bray declared that his chamber lacked the necessary votes to proceed with mid-decade redistricting. This development hampers the White House’s strategy to boost Republican chances in the 2026 midterm elections by redrawing districts.
On November 16, Trump expressed his frustration on Truth Social, stating, “Because of these two politically correct type ‘gentlemen,’ and a few others, they could be depriving Republicans of a Majority in the House, A VERY BIG DEAL!” He urged for primary challenges against Republicans who opposed the redistricting. Trump criticized Bray, State Sen. Greg Goode, and Indiana Governor Mike Braun.
Bray conducted a private caucus vote on Friday, November 14, prior to his public statement. “Over the last several months, Senate Republicans have given very serious and thoughtful consideration to the concept of redrawing our state’s congressional maps,” Bray stated. “Today, I’m announcing there are not enough votes to move that idea forward, and the Senate will not reconvene in December.”
Despite months of pressure from the White House, including two visits from Vice President JD Vance to Indiana, the decision was made. Trump had met with Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston in Washington, D.C., on August 26 to discuss redistricting. Efforts continued, with reports indicating invitations were extended to Indiana lawmakers to meet with the president in Washington.
The Indiana Senate essentially held a proxy vote on redistricting during Organization Day on Tuesday, November 18, marking the ceremonial start of the 2026 legislative session. The vote, typically a routine matter, specified January 5, 2026, as the reconvening date. Senate leadership opted for a roll-call vote to show members’ stands on the redistricting issue. The January 5 filing deadline for U.S. Congressional candidates effectively ends any possibility of redistricting.
Reports indicate a split among Republicans: 19 voted to reconvene in January, and 19 opposed, with the latter supporting a December meeting for redistricting. Democratic senators joined the “yes” votes, allowing the resolution to pass and closing the door on a December session. Bray noted this roll-call vote reflected what a direct vote on redistricting would have yielded.
