RINOs Lose Key Battle In Deep Red State As Trump-Backed Move Clears Hurdle

On Tuesday, the Indiana Senate Committee on Elections released its decision on the House-approved map that could reshape the state’s congressional lines before the 2026 elections.

Lawmakers convened Monday afternoon for the first reading of House Bill 1032, which would allow the General Assembly to redraw Indiana’s districts mid-decade. The plan passed the House last week in a 57–41 vote and includes major changes to both the 1st and 7th Districts.

After clearing its first reading, the bill was sent to the Senate Committee on Elections, which voted to move it forward. Now, it will face two additional votes on the floor.

Republican leaders had previously voted not to reconvene until January 2026, but reversed course, meeting in December to make a final decision on the GOP-backed effort driven by supporters of President Donald Trump in Congress.

The debate came as several Republican senators recently faced threats and swatting attempts. Despite that tension, lawmakers said they expected the committee to pass the bill but acknowledged that the margin would be narrow.

“You got a coin? Let’s flip a coin, I think it’s that close. It really is,” said Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington of the proposal’s chances. “I know myself and my colleagues have walked through every piece and every side of this, and now it’s really just a matter of hearing from the public, discerning from there where we go.”

Democrats argued that the proposal weakens representation. Sen. Andrea Hunley, the assistant minority leader, said “Hoosiers all over the state… are going to be losing out on cohesive representation.”

Asked whether the bill has the votes to advance, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray did not answer directly. “We will all find out on Thursday,” he said.

More than 100 people signed up to testify, sharply divided over whether Indiana should redraw its maps now. Some warned the plan could “expose the state to costly and time-consuming litigation.” Supporters urged Republicans to solidify a “9–0 state.”

“It’s not just politics, it’s a clear attack on fair representation and echoes the grievances that led to our nation’s birth,” one opponent argued. A supporter countered, “The leadership we look to has no backbone. Now’s the time to correct it.”

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