Indiana Governor Vows to Help Trump Primary ‘Misguided’ Republicans After Redistricting Defeat
Indiana Governor Mike Braun is vowing political revenge against Republican state senators who joined Democrats in sinking a Trump-backed redistricting plan that could have flipped two congressional seats in the GOP’s favor ahead of the 2026 midterms.
In a scathing statement Thursday, Braun called out “a small group of misguided State Senators” for siding with Democrats and rejecting what he described as a fair and strategic map. He pledged to work directly with President Donald Trump to challenge them in GOP primaries.
“I am very disappointed that a small group of misguided State Senators have partnered with Democrats to reject this opportunity to protect Hoosiers with fair maps and to reject the leadership of President Trump,” Braun said. “Ultimately, decisions like this carry political consequences.”
Braun, a former U.S. senator now serving his first term as governor, echoed Trump’s frustration after the redistricting plan was defeated in the Indiana Senate by a 19-31 vote — with a majority of Republican senators opposing it.
While Braun framed the opposition as a minority within the GOP, a community note on his post clarified that 21 of 40 Republican state senators voted against the proposal. The plan had already cleared the Indiana House but failed in the Senate, dashing GOP hopes of expanding their advantage in Congress.
Tensions Boil Over in Indiana GOP
The redistricting map was designed to flip two Democrat-held seats in Indiana, in line with efforts in other red states such as Texas and North Carolina. But key GOP senators in Indiana balked.
“You have to know Hoosiers — we can’t be bullied,” said Senator Sue Glick, who voted no.
Senator Greg Walker argued the proposed map was “unconstitutional,” adding to the chorus of Republican resistance.
Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten fired back during a passionate floor speech: “Some will say these maps are political. Let me be clear, you’re damn right they are!”
Trump and Vance Slam GOP Dissenters
President Trump blasted Indiana Senate Pro Tempore Rodric Bray after the defeat, saying: “He’ll probably lose his next primary, whenever that is. I hope he does, because he’s done a tremendous disservice. I’ll certainly support anyone who wants to go against him.”
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said he could have pushed harder for the redistricting effort but added: “I won Indiana all three times by a landslide. It would’ve been nice. I think we would’ve picked up two seats if we did that.”
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, accusing Bray of privately assuring the White House he wouldn’t oppose the effort — while simultaneously “whipping his members against it.”
Bray denied the charge, saying, “Typically my style is to let people vote like they want. They could come with a yes or come with a no.”
Map Battles Continue Across the U.S.
The setback in Indiana comes as both parties battle for control of the House. Republican legislatures in Texas, Missouri, and North Carolina have passed aggressive new maps. California, meanwhile, approved a new plan expected to favor Democrats.
With Republicans holding just a slim majority in the House, control in 2026 could come down to a handful of districts. Trump has made it clear he expects red states to maximize GOP advantages — and punish those who don’t fall in line.