Momentum is building—but no decision has been announced—on whether Indiana will convene a rare mid-decade special session to redraw the state’s congressional map.
Republican senators met behind closed doors at the Statehouse on Wednesday, Sept. 10, to discuss redistricting options and emerged tight-lipped about their plans. Two days later, House Republicans held a private caucus of their own, adding fuel to speculation that map-making could soon land on the legislative calendar.
Gov. Mike Braun has publicly signaled he’s open to calling lawmakers back, but says he’s waiting for clear support from legislative leaders before issuing a formal proclamation. As of this week, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston have not committed to a special session, leaving the timeline unresolved.
Why now?
The discussions come amid a broader, national push from the White House for Republican-led states to revisit their U.S. House districts ahead of the 2026 midterms—an unusual step between censuses that supporters say could cement GOP control, and critics call a partisan power play. Indiana GOP caucuses have reportedly been taking the temperature on whether there are enough votes to move forward.
What a special session would do
If Braun calls a special session, lawmakers could fast-track a congressional map bill through committee and floor votes much like they did in 2021, but on a condensed schedule. Procedurally, the governor’s proclamation sets the agenda; bills are limited to that call (in this case, redistricting), and once passed, maps head to the governor’s desk for signature or veto. (A veto could be overridden by simple majorities.) While mid-decade redistricting is rare in Indiana, it’s lawful if enacted via regular legislation.
The politics
Inside the GOP, there’s no consensus yet. Reporting from Statehouse outlets indicates many Republicans remain skeptical of reopening the maps, even as leadership keeps meeting to gauge support. Outside the chamber, opposition groups delivered nearly 9,000 signatures urging lawmakers to reject early redistricting, warning it would undermine voter trust.
The national backdrop
Missouri’s House just advanced a mid-cycle map that would likely add a Republican seat, underscoring how quickly these fights can move once a special session is called. Observers say any Indiana move could become part of a coast-to-coast “redistricting arms race” with both parties looking for advantages ahead of 2026.
What to watch next
- Braun’s call (or not): The governor says he wants clear buy-in from leaders before acting. If he green-lights a session, expect a compressed calendar measured in days, not weeks.
- Caucus signals: Private meetings will continue to be the canary in the coal mine; if rank-and-file skepticism softens, a call could follow quickly.
- Court & public response: Any new map would almost certainly face legal challenges and organized pushback similar to petitions already filed.
Bottom line: Indiana hasn’t pulled the trigger on a special session—but the machinery is warming up. KNS will track the governor’s next move and bring you dates, draft maps, and district-by-district impacts the moment they’re filed.