Trump's Redistricting Ambitions Face Resistance in Indiana and Kansas

Mon Dec 01 2025 01:53:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

President Trump's efforts to redraw congressional districts in Indiana and Kansas are stalling as local Republicans resist the call for more GOP-friendly maps, complicating the party's strategy for maintaining House control ahead of the 2026 elections.

Despite President Trump's pressure on Republicans to redraw congressional districts for the upcoming elections, lawmakers in Indiana and Kansas are struggling to find the necessary votes to implement new maps. With Democrats needing only three seats to flip House control, the redistricting battle is intensifying, showcasing a division within the GOP ranks in these states.

For much of President Donald Trump’s second term, Republican leaders have sought to align with his agenda. However, in Indiana and Kansas, efforts to redraw congressional districts aimed at bolstering GOP control in the House of Representatives are encountering significant resistance.

Despite extensive lobbying from the White House, local Republicans indicate a lack of support for new redistricting proposals, presenting a rare challenge to Trump's attempts to secure GOP dominance in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

States typically undertake redistricting every decade following census data, but due to the political climate favoring non-incumbent parties during midterm elections, Trump has pressed for redrawn maps that provide an advantage to Republicans. This initiative is particularly crucial for the party, as Democrats need to gain only three seats to retake control of the House.

Stalemate in Indiana

Indiana, with a House delegation of seven Republicans and two Democrats, was one of the first states targeted by the Trump administration's redistricting efforts. However, state Senate leadership expressed that there are insufficient votes among Republican lawmakers to advance any new maps.

The concerns stem from the potential backlash against poorly designed districts, which could inadvertently strengthen opposition candidates. Some Republican senators argue that it’s inappropriate to engage in gerrymandering tactics, emphasizing the importance of fair representation.

Former Republican Governor Mitch Daniels has also emphasized the value of fairness to Hoosier voters, urging lawmakers to refrain from redistricting based on political convenience.

Challenges in Kansas

Meanwhile, in Kansas, Republican leaders are attempting to instigate a rare special legislative session to pursue new district maps. They face hurdles since Governor Laura Kelly opposes mid-cycle redistricting, claiming it could be unconstitutional. With the need for a supermajority to bypass a potential veto, GOP lawmakers are struggling to gather the necessary support.

The ongoing resistance reflects a broader trend among moderate Republicans and politically unaffiliated constituents in Kansas, particularly in suburban areas like Johnson County, which have trended more Democratic in past elections.

The outcome of these redistricting battles in Indiana and Kansas may significantly impact the Republican Party's strategy as they brace for the upcoming elections, underscoring the internal divisions that challenge Trump's influence over the party.