White House officials are increasing pressure on Indiana Republicans to address redistricting before the midterms. This comes as the White House is reportedly inviting Indiana Republicans to a meeting in Washington. Over four dozen Indiana Republicans, including the state House speaker and Senate president, have reportedly agreed to attend, while two have declined.

The White House's Position

The White House's Intergovernmental Affairs Director, Alex Meyer, has contacted several Indiana lawmakers to press them on redistricting. These calls are reportedly part of a broader strategy to gain an advantage in the midterms and help Republicans maintain their narrow majority in the House.

External Pressure

Influential figures like Charlie Kirk are also urging Indiana lawmakers to support redistricting. Kirk questioned whether Indiana officials would "ignore President Trump, the majority of their voters, and the GOP Grassroots across the country by REFUSING to redistrict Indiana's Congressional Seats?". Simultaneously, robocalls have been circulating in Indiana, accusing Democratic governors of manipulating redistricting to undermine Trump's presidency and urging voters to contact GOP State Rep. David Hall to advocate for redistricting.

Indiana's Current Redistricting Process

In Indiana, the state legislature is responsible for drawing both congressional and state legislative district lines. The governor has the power to veto maps drawn by the legislature. If the legislature fails to approve a congressional redistricting plan, a backup commission comprising the Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and other legislative leaders steps in. The Indiana Constitution mandates that all districts be contiguous.

Indiana Republicans' Response

Following a meeting with Vice President J.D. Vance, Indiana's Republican leaders have not committed to redrawing congressional maps. Governor Mike Braun described the conversation as "pretty good" but remained noncommittal. House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray acknowledged the "meaningful discussion" and stated that conversations would continue.

Potential Impact and Opposition

If Republicans redraw district boundaries, U.S. Representatives André Carson and Frank Mrvan, the two Democratic members of Indiana's congressional delegation, risk losing their seats. Mrvan represents Indiana's 1st Congressional District, a long-held Democratic stronghold.

Former Governor Mitch Daniels opposes a mid-decade redrawing of Indiana's maps, stating, "It's certainly not going to reduce the level of public cynicism or increase the level of confidence". He believes Indiana's current lines are fairly drawn and sees no reason to tamper with them.

Democrats' Response

Democrats rallied at the state house, calling the redistricting push a moral violation of democracy. State Rep. Matt Pierce described the Trump administration's moves as "an attack on democracy". While Indiana Democrats aren't planning to boycott, they are mobilizing the public to oppose redistricting and are prepared to use procedural tactics to fight back if a special session is called.