Pressure is mounting on Republicans in Indiana to take up redistricting ahead of the midterms, with both White House officials and a mysterious group urging voters to call their elected officials in support of it. White House Intergovernmental Affairs Director Alex Meyer, in his personal capacity, has called several lawmakers in the state, pressing them to redistrict, according to a person familiar with the calls. One lawmaker, however, declined to comment. The White House is also inviting Indiana Republicans to a meeting in Washington, with over 40 legislators, including the state House speaker and Senate president, agreeing to attend, while two have declined, according to a Republican close to the White House.
The White House’s push for redistricting is part of a broader strategy to gain an advantage in the midterms and help Republicans maintain their small House majority. The calls are further intensified by MAGA figures like influencer Charlie Kirk, who have publicly demanded action from Indiana lawmakers. In a recent post on X, Kirk questioned whether Indiana state officials would ignore President Trump, most of their voters, and GOP grassroots efforts by refusing to redistrict. Meanwhile, a mysterious group is using robocalls to accuse Democratic Governors Gavin Newsom and Kathy Hochul of using redistricting to end the Trump presidency and urges voters to contact GOP state Rep. David Hall to support the effort.
The pressure is also evident in the Texas redistricting standoff. Newsom aims to offset a potential five-seat advantage for Republicans in Texas, where the state legislature has been stalled since Democratic lawmakers walked out to prevent the House from reaching quorum. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has called a second special session on Friday, and Democratic lawmakers have indicated they may return soon. An Indiana GOP official allied with Trump’s efforts described the current situation as one where Trump is ‘playing for keeps this time,’ suggesting the opposition may not fully grasp the pressure they face.
As the midterms approach, the interplay between federal pressure and local political dynamics is set to intensify, with redistricting emerging as a critical battleground for both parties. The outcome of these efforts could significantly shape the political landscape in the coming months.