Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced Monday that he is calling the Republican-led state Legislature into a special session to consider changes to the state’s congressional maps.
The move aligns with pressure from President Trump and his administration, who have urged Indiana Republicans to follow the lead of other GOP-controlled states — such as Texas and Missouri — that have redrawn their maps to bolster the party’s chances of defending its slim majority in the U.S. House in next year’s midterm elections.
“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,” Mr. Braun said in a statement.
Republicans are not alone.
Mr. Braun’s announcement comes as Democrats in Virginia prepare for a hastily called special session in Richmond, where lawmakers could pave the way for a referendum next year on adopting congressional maps more favorable to their party. The special session is expected to bring members of the House of Delegates back to the capital during the final week of campaigning ahead of an off-year election in which all 100 delegate seats are on the ballot.
This redistricting tug-of-war began earlier this year in Texas, where Republicans overcame fierce opposition from outnumbered Democrats to pass new maps projected to gain them up to five additional House seats in next year’s midterms.
In response, California Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Democrats placed a measure on this fall’s ballot that, if approved, could help them secure a similar gain.
Mr. Braun said Indiana’s special session will convene on Nov. 3.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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