LOUISVILLE, Ky (WDRB) -- A proposed congressional map unveiled this week is drawing sharp criticism from Indiana Democrats who say it’s designed to give Republicans a clear advantage in next year’s elections.
The new map would dramatically reshape Indiana’s Ninth Congressional District — stretching from Floyd and Clark counties all the way to Indianapolis. The district would include parts of the city’s west side, Center Township, and extend across a wide swath of the state.
State Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser, D–Jeffersonville, said the plan would split up communities that share common needs and priorities.
“If this map proceeds as presented, our district is going to be pulled apart between two major metropolitan areas — Louisville for us and Indianapolis,” Chesser said. “Everything we’ve been working on has focused that direction, and Indianapolis has very unique needs and very different concerns.”
The proposal divides Marion County into four congressional districts, effectively eliminating two Democratic seats. House Democrats argue the map disregards 40% of Indiana voters and may violate the Voting Rights Act.
State Representative Cherrish Pryor, D–Indianapolis, questioned the intent behind the redistricting.
“Why would you not look at the racial makeup of the districts, particularly in Marion County?” Pryor asked.
Republican Rep. Ben Smaltz of Auburn — the author of the bill — didn’t deny the political motivation behind the plan.
“To be clear, we have drawn these maps to create a Republican political advantage,” Smaltz said.
Even some southern Indiana lawmakers are breaking from party lines over the move. Both Chesser and Republican Ed Clere, R–New Albany, said they plan to vote against what they call unnecessary “mid-cycle changes” to the congressional maps.
This proposed map of Indiana's congressional districts would dramatically reshape Indiana’s Ninth District — stretching from Floyd and Clark counties all the way to Indianapolis.
“This is politically motivated,” Clere said. “It was wrong in August, and it’s still wrong in November. It’s outside the normal process without any reason other than raw politics driving it.”
Chesser agreed, saying the proposal puts partisanship over public service.
“This whole redistricting process has been set out to create a political advantage,” she said. “It’s not doing things that are good for Hoosiers. What’s good in Washington for politicians is much different than what Hoosiers are telling us they want us to do with our time and effort.”
The House will hear the proposed legislation on second reading Thursday, with several amendments expected. A final vote could come Friday. If it passes, the bill will move to the Senate — where Republican leadership has said they don’t currently have the votes to approve it.
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