Indiana Senate: A Tense Day of Redistricting Debates

The Indiana Senate is in the midst of a heated debate over a redistricting bill. The atmosphere is tense, with senators and protesters alike expressing strong opinions. Sen. Chris Garten, a Republican from Charlestown, is a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump and believes the Senate should back him. He argues that Trump has made significant progress and that the state should protect that progress. Garten also claims that under former President Joe Biden, the country was in chaos. Meanwhile, outside the Senate chamber, protesters are making their voices heard, shouting "Liar! Liar! " during Garten's speech. Inside, the debate is just as intense. Sen. Liz Brown, another Republican, is supporting the redistricting bill, but her remarks are interrupted by a heckler from the gallery. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith warns the heckler to leave or face removal. Sen. Greg Goode, a Republican from Terre Haute, has been undecided on the issue but finally broke his silence. He expressed concerns about his constituents being drawn into a district with Indianapolis, which he believes would dilute their rural voices. He also mentioned concerns about the burden on county clerks and potential lawsuits. Vice President JD Vance weighed in on the debate, calling out Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray for his stance on redistricting. Vance urged Indiana Senate Republicans to choose a side. Sen. Greg Walker, a Republican from Columbus, questioned the bill's author, Sen. Mike Gaskill, about the likelihood of legal challenges and the constitutionality of the bill. Gaskill was unable to provide definitive answers. The White House is also paying attention to the Senate vote. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was noncommittal when asked about the outcome. Protesters are packed in the hallway outside the Senate chamber, reacting to the developments inside. They are cheering and shouting "Just say no! " as they watch the livestream of the Senate's debate. The debate began with Sen. Mike Gaskill introducing the bill and inviting questions. Sen. Greg Taylor, a Democrat from Indianapolis, asked about the data used in the map, while Sen. Lonnie Randolph, a Democrat from East Chicago, questioned who drew the map and their qualifications. Sen. Ryan Mishler, a Republican from Mishawaka, arrived late, making 49 of the 50 senators present for the vote. Two senators were absent at the start of the session. A last-minute poll showed that a majority of Republican primary voters in some Senate districts support redistricting. However, an earlier poll found the opposite result. The proposed redistricting map would significantly favor Republicans in all nine congressional districts and potentially eliminate Indiana's two existing Democratic-led districts. Civic leaders urged the Senate to vote no on the bill, arguing that it would lead to multiple lawsuits and undermine democracy. They also expressed concerns about the future of Black representation in Congress. If the redistricting bill fails to pass today, it may not be the end of the debate. The bill's author can bring it back for another vote when the Senate reconvenes in January. The math is tight, with 16 Republican senators supporting redistricting and at least 12 opposing it. The outcome depends on how the additional 12 Republicans vote. Former President Donald Trump also weighed in on the debate, criticizing Indiana's stance on redistricting and promising primary challenges to those who vote against it.