Overview
- Twenty-one Republican senators joined all 10 Democrats to defeat the House-passed plan, which analysts said was designed to convert Indiana’s two Democratic-held districts into safe GOP seats by, among other changes, splitting Indianapolis across four districts.
- The rebuke followed explicit threats from Trump to back primary challengers against Republicans who voted no, with Senate leader Rodric Bray singled out in the president’s posts.
- Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson pressed reluctant senators, as outside conservative groups boosted pressure with ads and promises of primary spending.
- Multiple lawmakers reported intimidation during the fight, including swatting attempts and bomb or pipe bomb threats, with Sen. Jean Leising and Rep. Ed Clere among those targeted.
- The defeat dents Republicans’ mid-decade mapmaking drive even as GOP-led states like Texas, Missouri and North Carolina advance new maps and California’s Prop. 50 positions Democrats for gains.