Republican leaders in Indiana expect a decision about a special session to vote on redistricting will be announced soon following Vice President JD Vance’s Friday trip to Indianapolis to talk to Republican legislators.
Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, told reporters Friday that the meeting with Vance was “productive” and “fruitful.” He said his caucus hadn’t yet made a choice about mid-census redistricting of Indiana’s Congressional maps, but hinted an answer to the redistricting question could come soon.
“Obviously, the conversation was about redistricting,” Bray told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. “We talked a lot about that — pros and cons — and so, no decisions were made. But we’re going to work on that and hopefully have a decision very soon.”
President Donald Trump has been pressuring Republican-led states, like Texas and Indiana, to redraw their Congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections to secure a Republican majority in Congress in his second term. Redistricting occurs after each 10-year census data is released.
The last time Indiana redrew the Congressional maps was in 2021, which left Republicans with seven seats and Democrats with two seats.
House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, issued a statement Friday after the meeting thanking Vance for “again talking with our caucus members” about an “important topic.”
“It means a lot to us that he is willing to spend time in our state, personally communicating with and answering questions from Hoosier lawmakers. We had another productive conversation today and we’ll keep discussing this within our caucus with the Hoosiers we represent as we come to a decision soon,” Huston said.
Gov. Mike Braun said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that he met with Vance Friday as well to talk about redistricting.
“We discussed redistricting and the importance of ensuring fair representation for every Hoosier,” Braun wrote. “I look forward to continuing our partnership to keep Indiana — and America — moving in the right direction.”
Last month, Braun said in an interview with a Fort Wayne radio station that the legislature could address redistricting at the start of the 2026 legislative session in January or “more ideally” in November.
The decision is up to the legislature, but many legislators have seemingly voiced their support of redistricting, Braun said. Indiana could also face consequences from the Trump administration if it doesn’t redistrict, he said.
“I wanted it to be where it wasn’t forced upon our legislature, have our leaders talk to their own caucus members. Some have already changed their point of view when they look at what good comes from it,” Braun said. “If we try to drag our feet as a state on it, probably, we’ll have consequences of not working with the Trump Administration as tightly as we should.”
Vance previously came to Indianapolis in August to talk to Republican leaders about redistricting. Republican legislators were also invited to the White House after Vance’s visit, where redistricting was also discussed, Huston said.
State Sen. Rick Niemeyer, who attended the meeting Friday, said Vance talked about the “importance of redistricting” and having “control of Congress.” Republicans currently control the White House, the House, and the Senate.
Niemeyer, R-Lowell, said he believes legislative leadership will announce its decision on holding a special session this week. But, Niemeyer said he hasn’t yet decided how he would vote on potential redistricting.
“I think we did a good job with the maps. It’s a difficult decision,” Niemeyer said. “I’m not committed yet. I see both sides.”
State Sen. Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, said he didn’t attend the meeting with Vance. Dernulc said he has been “listening to both sides” of the issue and that each side “has a good argument.”
As he considers redistricting, Dernulc said he wants to make sure he makes an “educated decision” and that his vote represents what his constituents want.
“I am weighing every bit of it. I’m not taking this lightly,” Dernulc said. “I am not being pressured by leadership one way or the other.”
Niemeyer and Dernulc both said if a special session is called they’d like to see a version of the proposed redistricted maps before voting.
State Reps. Hal Slager, R-Schererville, and Mike Aylesworth, R-Hebron, said they weren’t able to attend the meeting with Vance. They both declined to share their positions on redistricting.
State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, said Vance came to Indianapolis to “twist arms” of the Republican legislators.
He said the Trump administration’s push for mid-census redistricting is a move to avoid being held accountable by the voters in 2026.
“It demonstrates that what they’re trying to do here is ensure there is no consequences for failed policies,” Pol said.
Pol said he’s talked with some Republican colleagues who told him they do not support redistricting, which is evident in Vance’s visit.
“The fact that JD Vance has to come here twice to twist arms … it shows they don’t have the votes,” Pol said.