INDIANA NEWS SERVICE - Gov. Mike Braun said the effort to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts will not return this legislative session.
The announcement follows weeks of debate and a failed Senate vote which exposed deep divisions at the Statehouse. The proposal passed the House by a wide margin but the Senate stopped it, as 21 Republicans joined Democrats to defeat the plan.
Braun noted the vote showed a major disconnect inside the chamber."
Half of the Senate was out of sync with most Hoosier Republicans," Braun observed. "If you try to generalize on it, I think it's a mistake. It's a national issue that put us out of sync with all other states."
Braun pointed out opposition came largely from Democrats and moderates. Supporters argued the plan mirrored actions in other states and had broad Republican backing. Opponents countered the process felt rushed and political. They warned it could weaken public trust and invite legal challenges.
Braun stressed lawmakers should move on to his priorities such as health care. He pointed to high costs and poor outcomes across the state. Education remains another focus. He highlighted the tuition freeze at public universities and called affordability a key concern.
Braun acknowledged political tension marked his first year but added reflection still matters after such a divided vote.
"I don't think it goes away in the sense that it should be some soul-searching for the Senate."
Braun said that reflection should help lawmakers work together on issues Hoosiers feel every day.
Joe Ulery wrote this article.
