Indiana lawmakers prepare for special session to revisit congressional districts

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Tension grew outside the Indiana GOP Fall Dinner on Monday night as protesters pushed back against Governor Mike Braun's plan to redraw the state’s nine congressional districts.

The focus is on Districts 1 and 7 – held by Democrats Frank Mrvan, and Andre Carson, respectively. Republicans have long targeted both districts, seeking opportunities to flip them.

Retired State Senator Jim Merritt, who served on Indiana’s redistricting committee for several years, said careful data analysis has always been key to the process.

“Because of the data that we have received in the past, in the past 30 years, it just was not reasonable… there wasn’t anything to back it up with all the different factors that you have to take into consideration when drawing districts,” Merritt said.

Merritt explained that past efforts in 1991, 2001, and 2011 were guided by “one person, one vote” principles and available data to ensure compliance with federal guidelines.

The current congressional maps, completed in 2021, have already compressed Districts 1 and 7 in size.

Downtown Indianapolis – represented by Carson since 2008 after the passing of his grandmother, Julia – remains a Democratic stronghold, as does District 1, held by Mrvan, whose father once held the same seat.

State Representative Wendy Dant Chesser criticized the latest push for redistricting, calling it politically motivated.

“In 2021, when we did our normal redistricting as a result of the census, Republicans said these were the best maps we could find. And now, with nothing changed, they’re coming back saying we need to redraw them. If that doesn’t reek of political pressure and political gain, I don’t know what does,” Chesser said.

Political pressure has intensified, with Vice President J.D. Vance weighing in on the issue. Lawmakers now face a fast-moving timeline.

Braun has called for a special session beginning Nov. 3. Legislators will have 30 days to redraw the districts and address a federal tax issue. Leadership in both chambers will set the exact dates for lawmakers to return to the Statehouse.

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Indiana Gov. Mike Braun calls a special session to redraw congressional maps