Indiana Republicans Reject Trump-Backed Redistricting Map

Twenty-one Republican state senators in Indiana voted against a new congressional map on December 11, defying former President Donald Trump and highlighting divisions within the party. The proposed map, which aimed to give Republicans control of all nine congressional seats in the state, was intended to eliminate the two Democrat-held districts by splitting Indianapolis. Despite intense lobbying and public pressure from Trump, the measure failed to pass in the Indiana State Senate.

Some lawmakers reported receiving threats during the debate, while Vice President JD Vance visited the state twice to advocate for the plan. Ultimately, the 21 Republicans joined all 10 Senate Democrats to defeat the measure, resisting both state and national party pressure. Observers say this represents a rare fracture within Indiana’s GOP and underscores the influence of local political considerations over national directives.

The rejection leaves Indiana’s current congressional map intact, where Republicans hold seven of nine seats, preserving competitive districts for the next election cycle. Analysts view the vote as a setback for nationwide Republican redistricting efforts and a demonstration of the limits of top-down party influence in state politics.