A tenth Republican member of the Indiana Senate has publicly announced he will oppose the proposed congressional redistricting maps, increasing the number of GOP lawmakers breaking with Senate leadership.

Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) became the tenth public Republican “no” vote on Friday. In a Facebook post, Bohacek said his decision was influenced in part by recent comments from Donald Trump involving people with intellectual disabilities. Bohacek, whose daughter has Down Syndrome, said those remarks were inappropriate and carried consequences.

Bohacek wrote:

“Many of you have asked my position on redistricting. I have been an unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities since the birth of my second daughter. Those of you that don’t know me or my family might not know that my daughter has Down Syndrome.

This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references and his choices of words have consequences. I will be voting NO on redistricting, perhaps he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority.”

With Bohacek’s announcement, 10 Senate Republicans are now on record opposing the redistricting plan. When combined with the Senate’s 10 Democrats, the total number of declared “no” votes stands at 20.

The Indiana Senate has 50 members, and 26 votes are required to defeat the redistricting bill if it reaches the floor. The growing list of Republican opponents presents a significant challenge for Senate leaders as deliberations continue.

By our last count, publicly announced Republican opponents now include:

  • Sen. Kyle Walker

  • Sen. Greg Walker

  • Sen. Jean Leising

  • Sen. Vaneta Becker

  • Sen. Sue Glick

  • Sen. Spencer Deery

  • Sen. Eric Bassler

  • Sen. Jim Tomes

  • Sen. Mike Bohacek

Indy Politics will continue monitoring developments as lawmakers move closer to potential floor action.