Indiana Republicans moved one step closer Tuesday to dramatically reshaping the state’s congressional map ahead of the 2026 elections, as the Senate Committee on Elections voted to advance a House-approved redistricting bill.
House Bill 1032 passed the House last week by a 57–41 margin.
It would give lawmakers authority to redraw the state’s districts mid-decade, targeting major changes in both the 1st and 7th Congressional Districts.
The proposal, backed by supporters of President Donald Trump, immediately heads to the Senate floor for two additional votes.
The committee’s action followed an unusual December convening after GOP leaders had previously voted not to return until January 2026.
Republican leadership reversed course to take up the redistricting push this year, despite rising tensions in recent weeks after several senators were hit with threats and attempted swatting incidents.
Even so, lawmakers acknowledged the vote would be tight.
“You got a coin?” said Sen. Andy Zay (R-Huntington).
“Let’s flip a coin. I think it’s that close. It really is.”
“I know myself and my colleagues have walked through every piece and every side of this, and now it’s really just a matter of hearing from the public, discerning from there where we go.”
Democrats argued the proposal is a direct blow to meaningful representation throughout the state.
“Hoosiers all over the state… are going to be losing out on cohesive representation,” said Democrat Sen. Andrea Hunley, the assistant minority leader, who sharply criticized GOP efforts to redraw the map midstream.
Asked whether the bill currently has the votes to advance, Republican Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray declined to give a firm answer.
“We will all find out on Thursday,” he said.
More than 100 people registered to testify during Monday’s hearing, underscoring the contentiousness of the proposal.
Public comments reflected a stark divide: opponents warned the overhaul could “expose the state to costly and time-consuming litigation,” while supporters urged Republicans to secure long-term political control.
“It’s not just politics, it’s a clear attack on fair representation and echoes the grievances that led to our nation’s birth,” one opponent told lawmakers.
A supporter countered with frustration toward GOP leadership:
“The leadership we look to has no backbone.
“Now’s the time to correct it.”
If approved, the bill could help solidify what some Republicans describe as a “9–0 state,” further cementing GOP dominance in Indiana amid strong support for President Trump across its congressional delegation.
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