Indiana Senator Defies Trump, Will Vote Against Redistricting After Derogatory Remark
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana State Senator Mike Bohacek announced he will vote against a push for partisan redistricting, a move coming after former President Donald Trump publicly criticized him and other Indiana Republicans and used a derogatory slur to describe Bohacek. The Indiana legislature is set to reconvene next week to consider the redistricting measure, despite earlier indications from state Senate leaders that sufficient support within the chamber was lacking.
The conflict stems from Trump’s demand that Indiana redraw its congressional maps to potentially favor Republican candidates in the 2026 midterm elections. Earlier this month, trump criticized Indiana Republicans for not pursuing redistricting, naming Bohacek and others in a Truth Social post. He wrote he was “very disappointed in Indiana State Senate Republicans,” and called for primary challenges against those who opposed the effort, stating, “Any Republican that votes against this crucial redistricting, potentially having an impact on America itself, should be PRIMARIED.” Trump then used a slur to describe Bohacek in the same post.
Several of the lawmakers Trump named were subsequently targeted in swatting incidents.
Vice President JD Vance has visited Indiana twice this year, meeting with local Republican leaders to advocate for redistricting. The push in Indiana mirrors similar efforts nationwide, with Texas GOP leaders recently approving new congressional maps projected to benefit republicans and California Democratic leaders seeking voter approval for maps that could give Democrats an advantage in their state. Leaders in both parties are now urging other states - including Ohio,Florida,Maryland,and Virginia – to pursue partisan redistricting.
