Smith reacts to the House passage of Republicans’ gerrymandered map

Today, Dec. 5, Indiana House Republicans passed House Bill 1032, their congressional map, after months of pressure from Washington, D.C. The map cracks like-minded communities to give the Republican party an advantage in Indiana’s congressional elections. Congressional District 1 stretches from Gary to Wabash. HB 1032 heads to the Senate for their consideration next week. 

State Rep. Vernon G. Smith (D-Gary) released the following statement: 

“We know why the House is here. We’re here because of the Big Beautiful Bill and the president's detrimental decisions that affect the people of this nation. The direct consequence is that his polling is dropping. He called red states and said, ‘find me more seats.’ He fears the loss of control in Congress, and he’s calling on red states to bail him out. 

“Now, House Republicans follow him blindly to do his bidding. The House has been called to session to harm, to do wrong. Today was wrong. Republicans have taken steps to damage our democracy. This is the greatest nation in the world, and you’re playing games with it. What happened to the legislature that I joined 36 years ago? 

“I represent Indiana House District 14, and I deeply respect our congressman. I have never seen anybody who is more representative of our community, who is more available, who is more helpful. How is he supposed to continue to do good works for our communities when his district spans 9 counties? You’re asking him to balance the needs of central Indiana with our northwest communities. 

“We’re supposed to be servants of the people. Have we forgotten that? Our country, our state, is more than political moves. Thousands and thousands of people are against this. A statewide poll in August found that 51% of registered voters oppose this, with 45% strongly opposed. Another poll from Independent Indiana found only 34% of voters support redistricting. I know you have received calls. You’ve received emails, and people have talked to you in the streets. 

“This bill may be a blessing in disguise for the Democratic Party. When you dig a grave, you'd better dig two. You may be creating a force that is multifaceted, inter-racial and of all economic stations. I promise you that we are not going to agonize; we are going to organize. God bless America. God Bless Indiana. God, please turn this attempt to make a fully red map into a blue one.”