Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) called a special session on Monday to redraw the Hoosier State’s congressional maps, capping off months of intense lobbying from the White House to do mid-decade redistricting as Republicans look to hold onto their narrow majority in the House.
“I am calling a special legislative session to protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington and ensure their representation in Congress is fair,” Braun said in a statement.
“I am also asking the legislature to conform Indiana’s tax code with new federal tax provisions to ensure stability and certainty for taxpayers and tax preparers for 2026 filings,” he added.
The news represents a win for the White House and national Republicans who have been pressing a number of red states to redraw their state’s maps ahead of 2026 to protect their House majority for the last two years of President Trump’s second term.
Texas and Missouri Republicans have already passed new maps to add new pickup opportunities ahead of the midterms, while California Democrats are putting a redistricting ballot measure before before voters in an effort to offset some of those gains Republicans are expected to make.
The White House has lobbied hard for Indiana to redraw its congressional lines to nix both Democratic seats, with Vice President Vance traveling to the state twice and President Trump speaking with lawmakers directly about redistricting earlier this month.
The pressure from the White House comes as some Republicans in Indiana have expressed reluctance toward redrawing House districts ahead of 2026.
“My home state of Indiana is on the national Republican target list for new lines, as part of the quest to ensure continued control of the House,” former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) wrote in an op-ed for The Washington Post last week.
“While the outcome sought is one I support, the tactic being employed to get there is not, and I hope earnestly that my state’s leaders will politely decline to participate,” he added.
Though more Republicans have come out in support of mid-decade redistricting, it’s not clear if Senate Republicans have the votes to pass new maps.
