President Donald Trump used a celebratory Truth Social post Friday to praise Indiana's Republican-controlled House for approving a new congressional map he called "much fairer, and improved," turning a routine redistricting vote into a showcase of his influence over GOP lawmakers and the 2026 midterm battlefield.
"Congratulations to Indiana's tremendous Republican State Representatives, led by GREAT Speaker Todd Huston, Bill Sponsor Ben Smaltz, and Elections Committee Chairman Tim Wesco, who just overwhelmingly voted to pass their new, much fairer, and improved, Congressional Map," Trump wrote.
"It was my Honor to win Indiana six times, including Primaries, in 2016, 2020, and 2024, and this new Map would give the incredible people of Indiana the opportunity to elect TWO additional Republicans in the 2026 Midterm Elections."
Trump's message followed Friday's 57-41 vote in the Indiana House to approve the proposed map, which Republicans say could expand the party's current seven-to-two edge in the state's U.S. House delegation by making it easier for GOP candidates to compete in districts now held by Democrats Andre Carson in Indianapolis and Frank Mrvan in northwest Indiana.
The plan passed with support from a majority of Republicans and several Democrats, while a bloc of GOP lawmakers joined the remaining Democrats in opposition.
In his post, Trump framed the Indiana vote as part of a broader effort to secure additional Republican seats in Washington.
"The Indiana Senate must now pass this Map, AS IS, and get it to Governor Mike Braun's desk, ASAP, to deliver a gigantic Victory for Republicans in the 'Hoosier State,' and across the Country," he wrote.
"Let your voice be heard loud and clear in support of these Senators doing the right thing. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Trump singled out nine Republican senators by name, saying he was "hearing" that Blake Doriot, Brett Clark, Brian Buchanan, Dan Dernulc, Ed Charbonneau, Greg Goode, Jim Buck, Rick Niemeyer and Ryan Mishler "need encouragement to make the right decision."
That public nudge underscored how directly the president is engaging in what is usually an inside-the-Capitol dispute over lines on a map, signaling that state legislators could face pressure from Trump's base if they resist the House plan.
Supporters of the map argue that it is a legitimate exercise of political line-drawing in a state where Republicans already dominate statewide races and where Trump has repeatedly carried Indiana by wide margins.
State Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, who authored the plan, has said the districts were drawn "purely for political performance" of GOP candidates, a justification that focuses on partisan advantage rather than racial considerations that can trigger federal court scrutiny.
The proposal now moves to the Indiana Senate, where Republicans hold 40 of 50 seats, but leaders have previously questioned whether there are enough votes to approve mid-cycle redistricting.
Under pressure from Trump and Gov. Mike Braun, senators are scheduled to return to the Statehouse on Monday to consider the House map.
Jim Thomas ✉
Jim Thomas is a writer based in Indiana. He holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a law degree from U.I.C. Law School, and has practiced law for more than 20 years.
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