IBLC, House Democrats vow to fight mid-decade redistricting as lawmakers plan early December session

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Written from press releases

INDIANAPOLIS — November 5, 2025

Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and House Democratic leaders said Monday they will oppose any move to redraw congressional districts when lawmakers convene early for the 2026 session Dec. 1–12, arguing the Statehouse should instead tackle rising costs facing Hoosier families.

House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) announced the House will meet during the first two weeks of December to address “time-sensitive issues.” He did not specify whether redistricting would be taken up. Gov. Mike Braun (R) last week called a special session to begin Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s nine congressional seats; Democrats say Republicans are seeking to replace the current 7–2 GOP–Democratic split with a map that “wholly” favors Republicans.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), who chairs the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), said the timing of Monday’s announcement came “moments after” the caucus held a rally at the Statehouse opposing new maps.

“They don’t want new maps. Even Republican Hoosiers have voiced their opposition to redistricting,” Harris said in a statement, urging residents to contact lawmakers and “advocate for fair maps.” Harris said the IBLC will prioritize issues such as wages, utility costs, child care and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program during the December meetings.

House Minority Floor Leader Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), a member of the House Committee on Elections, criticized the session schedule, noting it overlaps with the National Black Caucus of State Legislators’ annual conference, which some Black lawmakers had planned to attend.

“It is telling that the announcement for session was made during the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus rally and scheduled during the NBCSL conference,” Pryor said. She added that she will forgo the conference “to be here to fight against this partisan power grab that is targeting minority voters,” arguing proposed maps would eliminate congressional representation for Marion and Lake counties — “the two most diverse areas of the state.”

House Democratic Caucus Chair Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) and House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) said their caucus will focus on policies to reduce the cost of living. Both argued redistricting will not lower Hoosiers’ expenses for health insurance, energy, child care or property taxes.

“Partisan redistricting does nothing to put money back in people’s pockets or food on their tables,” Hamilton said. GiaQuinta added that Democrats “will be offering solutions” and called on Republicans to present plans “to make Indiana more affordable.”

Republican leaders have not publicly detailed the agenda for the early December meetings beyond citing “time-sensitive issues.” As of Monday, they had not confirmed whether congressional maps will be considered during that period.

The General Assembly’s early convening is scheduled for Dec. 1–12, 2025. The governor’s special session, announced last week, began Nov. 3, 2025.

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