The Indiana House on Friday approved new congressional district maps in a 57–41 vote, advancing a mid-decade redistricting bill that has drawn widespread public interest and bipartisan opposition. All House Democrats voted against the measure, along with 12 Republicans.
The vote came after several hours of debate and a week of committee testimony that saw nearly 100 residents speak, with only a small number expressing support for the proposal.
Democrats Question Need and Fairness of New Maps
House Democrats continued to raise concerns about partisan gerrymandering, minority voter dilution, and the lack of any legal requirement to redraw congressional districts mid-decade. They also questioned the impact of the new lines on fast-growing urban and suburban communities.
Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta said the proposal was “unnecessary and politically driven,” warning that legal challenges are likely once the bill becomes law.
“We fully expect lawsuits, and I believe these maps will energize Democratic voters,” GiaQuinta said. “People understand what’s happening here, and they’re going to respond.”
Democratic lawmakers also pressed bill author Rep. Ben Smaltz (R–Auburn) on whether the districts were drawn with partisan intent. Smaltz repeated his earlier testimony, stating that the maps were drawn for “political advantage,” though he emphasized they comply with constitutional and statutory requirements.
Republicans: Maps Are Legal and Reflect Population Changes
Republicans defended the redistricting plan as consistent with state and federal law. They argued the districts remain compact and contiguous, respect communities of interest, and incorporate population changes that have occurred since the last redistricting cycle.
Smaltz said the maps represent “fair and legal districts” and stressed that the General Assembly has authority to revise congressional boundaries.
Braun Reiterates Position on Senate Vote
Governor Mike Braun, speaking earlier in the day, said he supports the House-passed maps and expects the Senate to move quickly. Braun reiterated his pledge to back primary challengers against any Republican senators who vote against the measure when it comes before the chamber next week.
“I’ve been clear from the beginning,” Braun said. “If Republican senators don’t support these maps, I will support primary opponents. Voters deserve legislators who will stand firm.”
The governor did not say whether he would look favorably on future map revisions, but emphasized that he views this bill as consistent with his administration’s priorities.
Next Steps in the Senate
The legislation now moves to the Indiana Senate, where it is expected to be heard in committee early next week. If approved by the Senate and signed by Governor Braun, the new congressional districts would be in place for the 2026 election cycle.
Several advocacy groups, civil-rights organizations, and Democratic officials have already signaled that they are preparing potential litigation. Lawsuits would likely focus on allegations of partisan gerrymandering, racial vote dilution, or challenges to the state’s authority to redraw congressional lines outside the standard ten-year cycle.
