Indiana General Assembly Approves New Congressional and State Legislative Maps
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Indiana General Assembly approved the state’s congressional and state legislative maps, which now head to the desk of Gov. Eric Holcomb (R), who is expected to sign them into law. No Democrats in either chamber voted in favor of the maps. “When one political party controls all levels of government, Indiana loses, Hoosiers lose, and we all lose,” said Indiana Democratic Party Chairman Mike Schmuhl, referencing the Republican trifecta in the state and its autonomy over the redistricting process.
During the final public hearing on Monday, all testimonies spoke against the plans, specifically criticizing the maps as Republican gerrymanders. Notably, on the state Senate map, Fort Wayne is divided into four districts with more rural areas, increasing Republican influence in those districts. The cities of Evansville, Lafayette and West Lafayette were similarly split, raising concerns that the approved maps will dilute the power of minority voters. Democrats’ proposals to keep urban areas intact were unanimously rejected by state Senate Republicans yesterday. The approved congressional map will likely ensure that Republicans maintain the seven of nine U.S House seats they currently hold in Washington, D.C.
Find the approved congressional map here.