Gov. Braun Pressures Senate Republicans Over Redistricting Delay

(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Governor Mike Braun is stepping up pressure on state Senate Republicans after they voted to delay a special session on congressional redistricting. The Indiana Capital Chronicle reports that on Tuesday, senators narrowly approved a resolution to adjourn until January, instead of returning in early December to take up former President Donald Trump's push to redraw Indiana's congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms. The vote split Republicans 19-19, with all Democrats supporting the delay. Braun blasted Senate leadership, accusing Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray of siding with Democrats and blocking a vote on new GOP-favored districts. Braun said he will now "explore all options" to force senators back to work, including supporting primary challengers to Republicans who refuse to back redistricting. Bray downplayed the conflict, saying Republicans can disagree at times but remain focused on policies that help Hoosiers. He also argued that redrawing the maps now may not guarantee additional Republican seats. House Speaker Todd Huston says House Republicans are ready to move forward and could return in early December if the Senate changes direction. But for now, lawmakers won't reconvene until January 5th. Trump has publicly criticized Bray and urged Braun to deliver on redistricting. Some senators have shifted positions in recent days, but at last count, only 15 of the chamber's 40 Republicans have publicly committed to supporting the effort. Braun says the fight is still "in the first inning," and he expects more pressure on lawmakers in the weeks ahead.