Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Indiana last week reignited a partisan clash over redistricting, with Republican leaders welcoming his support for the effort and Democrats accusing the GOP of trying to undermine voting rights.
The visit, which included discussions on redistricting with Gov. Mike Braun and state lawmakers, drew swift criticism from Indiana Democrats, who called it part of a Republican attempt to “rig” the voting process.
“Indiana Republicans are so afraid of the voters that they are willing to rig the elections to drown Hoosiers’ voices,” said Karen Tallian, chair of the Indiana Democratic Party. “Indiana is already one of the most voter-suppressed states in the nation. Sending the vice president here to beg for another congressional seat is beyond absurd. Hoosiers need to stand up against this blatant undermining of democracy.”
Republicans currently represent seven of Indiana’s nine congressional districts. The state’s only two Democrats in Congress — Reps. Frank Mrvan, D-1st, and André Carson, D-7th — represent districts with the highest Black population in the state. Mrvan, whose district includes Lake, Porter, and part of LaPorte counties, defeated his Republican challenger in the last election with 53.4% of the vote. Both lawmakers spoke in Indianapolis this week against the legislature’s decision to hold a special session on redistricting.
Mrvan, who represents Gary as well as Lake, Porter and part of LaPorte counties, said economic failures under the Trump administration have fueled Republican attempts to subvert the normal electoral process.
“It is no surprise that some believe redistricting is the only option to cling to power when they know the American people are rejecting the damage done by the House Republican Majority,” Mrvan said. “It’s reprehensible to call in the Indiana General Assembly for a special session on redistricting when the communities I represent believe their time would be better spent to discuss initiatives that restore state funds for our local police departments.”
Vance’s visit comes on the heels of Texas Democrats leaving the state to prevent a quorum as Republicans in the state House of Representatives move to redraw several Democratic congressional districts by calling a special session on redistricting. Democrats in Indiana have less power to halt a special session because of the Republicans’ super majority in the legislature. The GOP holds a 70-30 advantage in the House and 40-10 in the Senate.
“I think the public should be more aware now that we have a president who wants to implement a dictatorial strategy across the country where he retains power in both chambers,” Carson said. “We can’t let it happen.”
Republican leaders, however, framed Vance’s visit as a timely and affirmative gesture. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith thanked the vice president on X, praising his “bold leadership and unwavering support for President Trump’s mission to expand the conservative majority in Congress,” and emphasizing that “redistricting isn’t just politics — it’s about ensuring the voice of We the People is heard loud and clear.” He added that Indiana is “proud to play a key role in shaping a stronger, freer future for our nation,” and that, as lieutenant governor, he “fully support[s] this effort.”
Similarly, Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said in a statement that it “was an honor to have Vice President Vance at the Statehouse today,” calling their meeting “productive” and highlighting his appreciation for the opportunity to continue discussions on issues important to Indiana.
Braun did not provide much insight into his visit with the vice president.
“It was great to meet with @VPVance today,” Braun posted on X. “We discussed a number of issues, and I was pleased to highlight some of the great things happening in Indiana.”