Indiana Voters Reject Redistricting Plan Amid Trump’s Pressure
UPDATE: A new poll reveals that a significant majority of Indiana voters are firmly against mid-decade redistricting, highlighting potential vulnerabilities for Republicans as they navigate internal pressure from former President Donald Trump. The survey, conducted by Change Research and commissioned by the nonprofit Count US IN, indicates that 52% of registered voters oppose the GOP’s efforts to revise congressional maps.
The poll, which surveyed 1,662 voters online from August 18-21, 2023, shows a dramatic 60% opposition when voters are informed of the pros and cons of redistricting. This sentiment comes as approximately four dozen Indiana Republican lawmakers gather in Washington today for a state leadership conference aimed at rallying support for Trump’s agenda.
As lawmakers meet with the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, the political stakes are high. The opposition to redistricting raises questions about the GOP’s strategy to maintain their majority in the House. Notably, 88% of Democrats and over 90% of independents support the notion that redistricting should be conducted fairly, contrasting sharply with the Republican stance that favors drawing maps to benefit the party.
The poll’s findings are especially critical as Republicans face a supermajority in the Indiana Legislature, with a 4-to-1 advantage in the Senate and 70 seats in the House to the Democrats’ 30. Yet, nearly two-thirds of respondents believe gerrymandering should be illegal, indicating a growing demand for fairness in electoral processes.
Among those attending the White House event is Todd Huston, Indiana House Speaker, whose daughter works for White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. This gathering was scheduled prior to Vice President JD Vance‘s recent visit to Indiana, where he urged state lawmakers to consider redistricting.
The pressure from the Trump administration is palpable, with reports of potential primary challenges for GOP lawmakers who resist redistricting efforts. Some, like Indiana’s lieutenant governor Micah Beckwith, have embraced this push, while others, including former Governor Mitch Daniels, have expressed strong opposition, labeling mid-decade redistricting as “just be wrong.”
With 45% of voters indicating they would be less likely to re-elect their representatives if they support new congressional maps, the political landscape in Indiana is shifting. This sentiment is particularly pronounced among Democrats, with 88% indicating a backlash against redistricting.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on Governor Mike Braun, who has remained noncommittal regarding a special legislative session to address redistricting. The stakes are high, and the implications for both parties could be significant as they navigate this contentious issue.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The urgency of this poll underscores a critical moment for Indiana’s political future, with potential ramifications extending beyond state lines.
