Pryor denounces special session to rig Indiana maps

Today, Oct. 27, Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session for the General Assembly to convene on Monday, Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. This unprecedented action follows the General Assembly redrawing Indiana’s congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census.  

While Braun has called this special session, there is no enforcement mechanism that requires the General Assembly to answer his call and pass new maps. The legislature may gavel in on Monday and then gavel back out without redrawing the current maps. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Floor Leader and member of the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment, issued the following statement:

"After months of stalling, my Republican colleagues have officially broken under the pressure of the Washington establishment. The legislature will be heading into a special session to try to preemptively overturn the will of the voters before they even get the chance to cast their ballots. 

“Indiana families are dealing with genuine hardships. They're facing crushing property tax bills, unaffordable health care, soaring utility cost, cuts to child care and local services being gutted, yet state leadership's priority is to burn through taxpayer dollars to further gerrymander already gerrymandered congressional maps. Indiana democrats are already underrepresented in our congressional delegation.  

"Apparently, this administration wants to silence our voices, the voice of 40% of voters that did not cast their ballot for a Republican. Hoosiers are starting to feel the impact of unkept promises and failed policies. The bottom line is, Republicans are afraid to defend their record, and they would rather turn our democracy upside down than stand on their policies that are harming our neighbors.  

"I'm calling on legislators who value integrity over political gamesmanship to stand with their constituents, reject this unnecessary map-drawing exercise, and tackle the urgent fiscal and healthcare challenges facing our state.”

GiaQuinta decries redistricting scheme

House Democratic Leader urges supermajority to focus on cost-of-living issues, not partisan map rigging

Today, Oct. 27, Republican Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session of the General Assembly to start on Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. 

This unprecedented action follows the General Assembly having redrawn Indiana’s current congressional maps in Oct. 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census.  

While Republican Gov. Braun has called this special session, there is no enforcement mechanism that requires the General Assembly to answer his call and pass new maps. The legislature may gavel in on Nov. 3 onward and then gavel back out without completing any new business. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session. 

All Indiana House Democrats oppose the redistricting scheme. The full list of House Democratic members can be found here.

House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement in response: 

"Last week, Hoosiers learned that Senate Republicans did not have the votes required to pass a blatantly rigged congressional map. After that news broke, it didn't take long for D.C. elites to swoop in and bully Republican lawmakers into bowing to their demands to put partisanship before solving Hoosiers' actual problems.

"Our state government is owned by Washington, D.C., instead of the people who should actually drive its decisions: Hoosiers. Washington, D.C. is broken and dysfunctional. Why would we listen to them when Hoosiers oppose mid-decade redistricting?

“If Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans were listening to Hoosiers, the majority of whom oppose mid-decade redistricting, we wouldn't be going into a special session. We wouldn't be wasting taxpayer dollars to redraw maps the House Republicans drew four years ago and described as 'beautiful' and perfect.' Poll after poll after poll has shown that Hoosiers do not want the General Assembly to redraw our congressional maps this year.

"Hoosiers, there is still an opportunity to have your voice heard. Call or email your state representative or senator, now is the time to share your views about this.

“The House and Senate still can lead with courage and common sense by rejecting the governor’s call. There is no requirement that we pass new congressional maps just because Republican Gov. Braun caved to D.C. elites. I am grateful to Hoosiers who have voiced their opposition to this scheme. Hoosiers can stop these new maps from passing.

“There are massive problems in Indiana that demand leadership and action from the Statehouse, like property taxes, utility bills and health care costs. Our congressional districts are not one of them. Let’s keep the focus on Hoosiers and reject this effort from out-of-state elites to change the rules of the game at halftime.” 

To find your legislators and their contact information, visit the IGA Find Your Legislator web page.

GiaQuinta comments on special session development

In response to news reports that Indiana Senate Republicans do not have the votes to pursue mid-decade redistricting, House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) released the following statement:

"Nobody is asking for redistricting. Instead, Hoosiers are asking their elected leaders to fix their high utility bills, property taxes and absurd health care costs. House Democrats have received massive amounts of calls against redistricting, and I'm sure the Senate Republicans have, too.

"I'll continue to monitor the possibility of redistricting until we end the 2026 legislative session in March."

Novak sworn in as Indiana State Representative for District 9

Today, State Rep. Randy Novak (D-Michigan City) was sworn in by Indiana Supreme Court Justice Mark Massa as the Indiana State Representative for House District 9, covering Michigan City, Northern LaPorte County and portions of Eastern Porter County.

A long-time LaPorte County resident, Novak brings decades of leadership and public service experience to the Statehouse. His extensive background includes roles in public safety, business and local government — where he earned a reputation as a collaborative, fiscally responsible and community-driven leader.

Before joining the Indiana House of Representatives, Novak served as Chief of the Michigan City Fire Department and as President of the LaPorte County Council. He currently serves on the LaPorte County 911 Advisory Board and as Chairman of the LaPorte County Fire Chiefs Association. His past leadership includes serving as President of the LaPorte County Redevelopment Commission, the Fairground Management and Event Corporation, and the LaPorte County Association of Realtors, as well as on the Pension Management Oversight Commission and the Indiana Fire Chiefs Association Board of Directors.

A graduate of Rogers High School, Novak continued his education through Ivy Tech, Purdue North Central and the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education, earning numerous professional certifications in public safety and real estate. He and his wife Debbie have been married for 46 years and are the proud parents of two sons and grandparents to four grandchildren.

Novak released the following statement:

“Public service has been my life’s passion. From my years as a firefighter and fire chief to my time on the LaPorte County Council, I’ve always believed in working hard, staying accountable and putting people first. I’m proud to call LaPorte County home, and I’m committed to representing our community with integrity, transparency and a common-sense approach.

“My goal in public service is to be part of the solution. I’ve used my proven experience in business, finance, contract negotiation and managing multimillion-dollar budgets to move LaPorte County forward. Financial responsibility is a must, and I will continue to prioritize a balanced budget while supporting local services that directly impact quality of life at the Statehouse — from safe roads and strong emergency services to economic development, addiction recovery, mental health resources and affordable housing.

“I believe in reaching across the aisle to find common ground that benefits Hoosiers. Quality of life starts with local government, and I’ll continue working to create an environment that encourages smart economic development, living-wage jobs and opportunities for every resident. I’ve lived and raised my family here, and I know firsthand the challenges working families face.

“My pledge to the people of District 9 is simple: I will continue to work hard, with an informed and common-sense approach, to provide the highest level of service at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers.

“I will always be a voice of reason, fiscally responsible and committed to progress for the people I serve.”

This Saturday, Oct. 25, Novak will be joining State Senator Rodney Pol Jr. at the Michigan City City Hall (100 E. Michigan Boulevard, Michigan City, IN 46360) for a town hall discussion over redistricting efforts in Indiana. The event will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. CST.

Porter proposal to help Hoosiers at risk of losing vital services

Hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers are at risk of losing their Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. 571,594 Hoosiers received SNAP benefits as of September 2025, and an average of 155,500 pregnant women and infants received WIC benefits as of May 2025.

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis), ranking Democrat on the House Ways and Means Committee and a ranking member of the State Budget Committee (SBC) plans to make recommendations to the latter group during an upcoming SBC meeting to transfer funds to the Family and Social Services Administration and the Division of Family Resources to cover the deficiency for SNAP payments. HIs proposal would also add a supplemental payment to food banks in the state. 

The proposal would provide a tiered increase to Indiana’s supplemental payments for food banks from $2 million to $5 million, with an additional $2 million monthly as needed.

Porter issued the following statement regarding his planned proposal: 

“Regardless of their political affiliation, every Hoosier should be horrified by the notion of a child going hungry. If SNAP and WIC benefits are cut, that’s exactly what will happen. We have an opportunity to ensure that Hoosiers continue to receive these vital services, regardless of whether the federal government reopens in the near future. 

“It can’t be overstated that the state of Indiana has the ability to prevent this – this is simply about whether we have the political will to keep children, pregnant women and the elderly from going hungry.

"Just last month, the State Budget Committee approved a decision to reallocate funds from the Indiana Department of Correction toward the ‘Speedway Slammer,’ which houses detainees suspected of being in the country without documentation. SBC did this without any certain guarantee that the federal government will reimburse them for these services.

"If we can make a $16 million bet on prisons, we can surely bet on keeping Hoosiers from hunger. As a lawmaker, my priority is making sure Hoosiers have the resources they need to thrive, and this proposal would do just that. Hoosiers should not suffer because the folks in Washington, D.C. can’t get their act together. I’m calling on my colleagues in the State Budget Committee to find the political will to put the health and well-being of Hoosiers over any political games.”

Pryor comments on unfair AES settlement

Yesterday, it was announced that AES Indiana had reached a settlement with the City of Indianapolis and a number of large businesses and private interest groups with AES Indiana Industrial Group. This agreement was reached outside of official channels.  The Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) has issued a statement in opposition of this settlement. According to Citizens Action Coalition, this deal would increase rates for residential consumers by at least 6.51% while commercial and industrial consumers will only increase by 3.19% and 4.12%, respectively. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), a member of the House Committee on Energy and Utilities as well as an outspoken opponent of the AES rate hike, issued the following statement: 

“This backroom deal might be great for the interests of corporations, but leaves one major group out to dry: the consumers. The scramble to pander to these major corporate players comes after Hoosiers from across the city showed up in mass to testify against this unfair rate hike. The OUCC has submitted over 7,000 comments from consumers in fervent opposition to yet another increase in their bills.

“The justification of improved service garners understandable doubt from residents as issues of concern before the last rate hike that went into effect just months ago have still yet to be fixed. And we are not talking about little problems. We are talking about people being charged three times what they should be or their bank account being withdrawn ten times without immediate compensation. We should not let AES expand their bottom line by one penny until these issues have been addressed. 

“People simply cannot keep up with utility costs that have gone up 34% over the last decade. This rate hike should be flat out rejected. Indiana is a regulated monopoly, and consumers cannot go anywhere else if they are unsatisfied with the price or service of our utilities. I urge the IURC to do the right thing for the citizens of Indiana and not allow this sweetheart deal to go through.”

Porter opposes BlackRock’s potential acquisition of AES Indiana

According to several reports, BlackRock-owned Global Infrastructure Partners is nearing a deal for the acquisition of AES Corporation for $38 billion. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“AES customers have had enough. They’re already paying high monthly bills that are constantly increasing. Indy residents have no other choice but AES for electricity. They’re stuck with whatever people in power give them. 

“Private equity firms should have no stake in utilities that are needs, not wants. If AES is sold to BlackRock, residents' bills will rise even more. Indy residents will continue to be priced out of the utilities they need to survive. 

“BlackRock is clearly cornering the utilities market to get rich off the rise of AI. They’re heavily invested in coal-fired power plants, and just yesterday, they purchased Aligned Data Centers—the writing is on the wall. Companies like BlackRock are building up their shares in every facet of this data center push, and they’re ready to suck our working families dry. 

“I strongly advocate that the City of Indianapolis purchase AES Indiana and make it a public charitable trust, like Citizens Energy Group. We have to start seeing the people, not the profit they offer.”

Burton warns against “mean-spirited” immigration policies threatening Indiana economy and health care, calls for immigration reform

Today, State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) issued a statement criticizing current immigration enforcement efforts and called for comprehensive, humane policy solutions that address Indiana's critical workforce shortages in health care and agriculture.

As federal officials, including "Border Czar" Tom Homan, promote immigration enforcement measures in Indiana, Burton argues that the state's focus should shift from detention and enforcement toward practical solutions that strengthen Indiana's economy, health care system and food security.

Burton released the following statement:

"Indiana is failing our people and its economy. Our state is drifting further away from the values that built our communities with hard work, compassion and common sense. Instead of focusing on solutions that actually help families, we’re spending time on political stunts that divide us and distract from the real issues Hoosiers face every day.

“The legislature must stop taking orders from Washington, D.C., and start focusing on everyday hardworking Hoosiers. As families face rising costs for energy, rent, groceries and child care heading into the holidays, our state’s priorities remain deeply misaligned.

“What began as a focus on violent offenders has now expanded into a sweeping overreach that tears families apart, jeopardizes our health care and food security, and drives up the prices Hoosiers pay at the grocery store. This is not immigration reform — it’s political theater that ignores real solutions.

“The answer is not detaining the very people responsible for Indiana’s population growth in rural, urban and suburban communities. We are wasting limited resources without improving outcomes for anyone.

“This mean-spirited approach will also strain law enforcement and local governments already stretched thin. With communities still dealing with consequences of SEA 1, placing even more burdens on local agencies and schools is unconscionable.

"Hoosiers deserve solutions that uplift our workforce, keep families together and move our economy forward, not policies that pit neighbors against one another."

Pryor reacts to JD Vance’s return to Indiana to bully GOP senators

Today, Vice President JD Vance returned to Indiana in an attempt to strong-arm Republican legislators into a special session to gerrymander the congressional maps. 

State Rep. Cherrish Pryor (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Floor Leader and a member of the House Committee on Elections, issued the following statement:

“It has been almost two months since JD Vance first came here to convince Indiana Republicans to do his bidding and rig the next election to maintain political power. If one thing has become clear over these weeks, it's that Hoosiers don’t want this. The people of Indiana do not want their votes in the next election decided for them before it has even begun. 

“Our maps are already gerrymandered. In the 2024 election, the Democratic nominee for governor got 41% of the vote, but Democrats hold 22% of congressional seats. The two districts that the Washington establishment has decided to target represent the most diverse parts of the state. Any attempt to dismantle the fair representation of these communities is a direct attack on Black voters and other minority groups. 

“Instead of enacting policies that will help working families, Republicans on a state and national level have cut essential services and programs while giving tax breaks and benefits to the wealthiest among us. Hoosier families are struggling with high costs for utilities, housing, healthcare and groceries – all the things this administration campaigned on solving. Not only has the cost-of-living crisis not been solved, but it has also been made significantly worse by the disastrous tariffs. From farmers, to small business owners, to parents wondering how they are going to afford Christmas gifts for their children, people are feeling the devastating economic impact of this bad policy. And Republicans know that they have failed Hoosiers and failed this country. They are running scared from their own policy by trying to cheat and predetermine their own victory in the 2026 midterm instead of facing the voters. Just like a bully, they don’t want to operate by the rules because they know they will lose, so they have decided to change the rules altogether.

“VP Vance needs to go back to DC and work on the issues his administration promised to solve on 'day one.' It is telling that in the middle of a government shutdown, the vice president is in Indiana trying to bully Senate Republicans to assist in his power grab instead of actually trying to solve problems for the American people." 

Harris, Jackson respond to ICE agents operating in Northwest Indiana

Today, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were seen throughout Northwest Indiana, including in Hammond and East Chicago. Multiple videos on social media show ICE agents pursuing individuals in parking lots and restaurants. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott forced ICE agents off the grounds of a police department earlier today, calling their presence in the city “deeply concerning.”

Two Northwest Indiana state representatives, State Reps. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago) and Carolyn Jackson (D-Hammond), are monitoring the situation in their respective communities. 

“I am deeply worried to see that ICE agents were attempting to use property of the City of Hammond to stage their terror operation,” Jackson said. “I am thankful to Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott for promptly making the public aware that ICE is present in the city and making sure they are not permitted to use Hammond facilities to intimidate members of our community. 

“What we have seen across the nation in terms of the treatment of immigrants, many of whom immigrated legally or have obtained their citizenship, has been cruel and downright inhumane. Just this week in Chicago, ICE agents have been deploying increasingly violent tactics such as using a Black Hawk helicopter to raid an apartment complex in the middle of the night, dragging children away from their families screaming and crying. Innocent men, women and children are being treated like violent criminals simply because of their appearance. I am devastated for all of the people in my community fearing for their safety and the safety of their friends and families.”

“Everyone deserves the right to due process,” Harris said. “When people can be picked up off the streets based on racial profiling, it is not only a gross injustice to them as an individual, but a signal to everyone that all our rights, too, can be violated with impunity. Across the country and right here in Indiana, immigrants have helped build and shape our communities. A poem inscribed on the Statue of Liberty, which has greeted countless immigrants to this nation, reads, ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.’ I truly believe that this sentiment is the great promise of America and, because of this belief, I can’t view these ICE raids as anything other than un-American."

See these resources from the National Immigration Law Center to know your rights if ICE is encountered in the community.

State Rep. Boy retires after 22 years of public service

State Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City) has announced her retirement from the Indiana General Assembly. Elected in 2018, Boy has served on the House Environmental Affairs Committee, the House Elections and Apportionment Committee, and as the ranking Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee. Boy will continue serving in office through the end of the day on Friday, Oct. 17.
 
Last session, Boy had two bills signed into law. House Enrolled Act 1376 expands access to opioid overdose reversal medication and House Enrolled Act 1380 exempts motor driven cycles and lightweight electric vehicles from supplemental fees.
 
"After 22 years of public service, I have made the bittersweet decision to step back and focus on my family while continuing to be a proud neighbor and resource to Michigan City," Boy said. "Serving the people of Northwest Indiana has been the honor of a lifetime and one of my most meaningful experiences. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside so many dedicated colleagues, community leaders and advocates who share a deep commitment to improving the lives of Hoosiers.
 
"This work has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. I am especially proud of the work we have done together to protect Indiana’s natural environment, strengthen public health and safety, and give a voice to those who too often go unheard. Sometimes those attempts were unsuccessful, but they called attention to those issues. Getting two of my bills signed into law this past session, HEA 1376 and HEA 1380, was a milestone that reminded me how collaboration and persistence can lead to real results for our communities.

 
"Although I am stepping away from elected office, my heart will always be with the people I had the privilege to serve. I wish my colleagues in the General Assembly continued success and thank them for their friendship and partnership throughout the years. I will be spending more time with my family and my cat, tending to my long-neglected garden and staying engaged in the community that has given me so much. I look forward to watching the next public servant continue this important work with the same care and determination that has always inspired me. Thank you, House District 9."
 
House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) issued the following statement regarding Boy's retirement:
 
"It has been a pleasure to work alongside Rep. Boy for the past seven years. During that time, she fought for vulnerable Hoosiers, worked to protect Indiana's environment and enhanced public health and safety throughout our state.
 
"Before coming to the Statehouse, Rep. Boy served her community as a union worker, a small business owner and as a member of the Michigan City Common Council. Her adult life has been dedicated to giving back to her community and creating a better state for all Hoosiers to thrive in.
 
"While House Democrats will miss serving alongside Pat, she has certainly earned a relaxing retirement with her family. Thank you, Pat."

Porter comments on Trump admin cancelling grant for low-income students due to DEI

Last week, the Trump Administration cancelled a $34.9 million grant to Purdue University for the Indiana GEAR UP program. According to the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), the grant was cancelled to prioritize “excellence, fairness and merit in education.” Indiana Gear Up partners with nine school corporations, including Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS), to prepare low-income students for college. 

State Rep. Gregory W. Porter (D-Indianapolis) released the following statement: 

“Indiana Republicans attacked DEI, refusing to acknowledge that these programs serve more than just racial minorities. The loss of Indiana GEAR UP is a direct result of the narrative they pushed. Anything deemed unfair, regardless of who it helps, is cut.

“Low-income students lost critical access to tutors, mentors and STEM coaching. It’s not unfair to provide these students with the same resources that wealthy families can afford to hire. Statehouse Republicans constantly attack inner-city public schools for their performance. Then they turn around and cut programs that benefit their students. 

“Gov. Braun and Purdue University have both been mum on this topic. Purdue didn’t appeal the grant termination, and the governor hasn’t asked the DOE to reverse its decision. To keep this program alive, I suggest using some of the funds put away for InvestEd. There’s a little over $100 million sitting unclaimed and unused, which could cover this program. 

‘If the federal government abandons our low-income students, the state can easily choose to support them.”