Indiana Gov. Mike Braun blasted state senators for blocking a special session for redistricting scheduled for Dec. 1. (ALLISON ROBBERT/AFP via Getty Images)
He urged lawmakers to "show up and do the right thing," according to a statement released by his office.
Indiana’s current map, drawn by Republicans in 2021, gives the GOP a 7-2 congressional advantage. Redistricting supporters had wanted lawmakers to craft a map in which all nine districts favored Republicans based on 2020 Census data.
The push came after months of pressure from Trump allies, including strategist Marty Obst, who now leads the group Fair Maps Indiana. Obst told the Chronicle that Bray "blocked the special session" and warned that "decisions have consequences."
JUDGE SET TO CHOOSE NEW CONGRESSIONAL MAP IN FIGHT THAT COULD RESHAPE HOUSE CONTROL
The Indiana Statehouse appears on May 5, 2017, in Indianapolis. Four statewide elected officials in Indiana including the attorney general and secretary of state will be allowed to carry handguns in the state Capitol thanks to a bill sent to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb Thursday, March 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Turning down Trump’s request makes Indiana the first Republican-led state to formally reject his redistricting push. The president has encouraged similar efforts in several states, with varying results.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Some of the effort’s loudest supporters signaled they would continue pressing the issue. State Sen. Liz Brown called the move "cowardly" on social media, according to screenshots published by the Chronicle, and vowed to raise redistricting again when lawmakers return for Organization Day next week.
The White House, Bray’s office and Braun’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Jasmine Baehr is a Breaking News Writer for Fox News Digital, where she covers politics, the military, faith and culture.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/indiana-senate-republicans-reject-trump-backed-redistricting-push-decline-meet-december