What's happened
Indiana lawmakers have decided against redrawing congressional districts mid-cycle, citing insufficient votes and ethical concerns. The move follows pressure from President Trump and internal GOP divisions, amid broader national debates on partisan gerrymandering ahead of the 2026 elections. Today's date is Tue, 25 Nov 2025.
What's behind the headline?
The decision by Indiana to block mid-cycle redistricting underscores the deep divisions within the Republican Party over gerrymandering. While Trump and some GOP leaders advocate for aggressive redistricting to secure electoral gains, many Indiana Republicans oppose it on ethical grounds and fear political repercussions. This internal conflict reveals a broader national trend where states are increasingly divided over the legitimacy and timing of redistricting efforts. The resistance in Indiana, coupled with similar delays in states like Kansas and Maryland, suggests that the push for partisan map manipulation faces significant legal, ethical, and political hurdles. The upcoming legal challenges, including lawsuits alleging racial gerrymandering, will further complicate the landscape, potentially limiting the scope of mid-cycle redistricting and reinforcing the norm of decennial redistricting. The outcome will likely influence the balance of power in Congress, with some states maintaining status quo while others pursue aggressive redistricting strategies to favor their parties. Overall, Indiana’s stance signals a cautious approach amid a highly contentious and legally complex environment, with the potential to shape the 2026 midterms significantly.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that Indiana's Senate, which holds a supermajority, decided against redistricting after significant internal debate and pressure from President Trump, who called for primary challenges against opponents. Mitch Smith highlights that the move reflects internal GOP divisions and legal concerns. Politico notes that other states, like Kansas and Maryland, are also experiencing resistance to mid-cycle redistricting, citing strategic and legal reasons. The New York Times further emphasizes that legal challenges, including lawsuits alleging racial gerrymandering, are likely to influence future redistricting efforts nationwide. These contrasting perspectives illustrate the complex interplay between political strategy, legal constraints, and ethical considerations shaping redistricting debates across the US.
How we got here
Recent efforts to redraw Indiana's congressional districts were driven by Republican pressure to gain an electoral advantage ahead of the 2026 midterms. Trump-backed initiatives and visits from GOP leaders prompted calls for a special session, but resistance from within the Indiana Senate, including ethical concerns and fears of political backlash, led to the decision to halt the process. The broader context involves a nationwide surge in redistricting efforts, often driven by partisan motives, with some states successfully passing new maps and others resisting due to legal or strategic reasons.
Go deeper
Common question
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How are US states handling redistricting in 2025?
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Why is redistricting such a hot topic in US politics?
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