In a desperate attempt to tighten GOP control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections, President Donald Trump is using the power of his office to assert control over Congress. Lobbyists in Indiana— where Republicans already dominate — to redraw the maps to put more pressure on Democrats.
On Friday, Trump called a meeting of the Indiana Senate Republican Caucus to push for redistricting, which comes as the White House ramps up its push to gerrymander Indiana’s seats.
A week ago at the White House He sent Vice President J.D. Vance to Indiana to push Republicans to support the redistricting conspiracy. Republican Senator Jim Banks he said in September That Indiana “could be ground zero” in determining who controls the House of Representatives.
The focus on Indiana seems to indicate the weakness of the Republican Party, as Indiana is not a struggling state by any measure. Trump He won easily The state: 57% compared to 41% in the 2020 elections, and the current state Congress collapses Nine Republicans and only two Democrats.
The push for redistricting also runs counter to the wishes of Indiana residents. Recently North Star Poll For the independent state of Indiana, 53% of registered voters in Indiana said they opposed redrawing congressional districts. Most of the opposition comes from Democrats (85%) and independents (59%), but even 25% of Republicans criticize the rigging of the democratic process.
Working in Indiana He echoes other GOP efforts All over the country to redraw areas. By using demographic data to create Republican constituencies – even in areas where Democrats enjoy greater support – the party hopes to hold on to its slim majority.
Voters likely to be eager to punish Republicans for Trump’s mismanagement of the economy, including tariffs It hurt job growth– Hug him Authoritarian tactics Used to suppress American cities, and GOP government shutdownand Health care discounts In “The Big and Beautiful Bill”.
The GOP is trying to prevent a repeat of Trump’s disastrous first midterm election in 2018, when Republicans are still riding high on his surprise 2016 election victory. They were defeated From coast to coast he lost control of the House of Representatives.
The new philosophy of the Republican Party is about changing the rules and trading on democracy so they never lose.