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Indiana Governor Mike Braun has called a special legislative session to begin on Monday, November 3, to consider redrawing the state's congressional map. This move comes amid pressure from national Republicans to revise the map ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Governor Braun stated that the session aims to "protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington and ensure their representation in Congress is fair" according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
The current congressional map, last redrawn in 2021, allows Republicans to control seven of Indiana's nine districts. However, it is unclear if there is enough support among GOP lawmakers to pass new redistricting measures. A spokesperson for the Indiana Republican state Senate majority, Molly Swigart, indicated that a redistricting measure lacks sufficient backing.
The special session will also address aligning Indiana's tax code with recent federal tax changes. While some Republican lawmakers support the redistricting effort, others express concerns about the potential political and financial costs. Democrats, including Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder, criticize the session as a "political stunt" and accuse Republicans of undermining democratic norms.
The session's outcome remains uncertain, with potential legal challenges expected if new maps are approved. The next regular legislative session is scheduled to begin in January 2026.