Garcia Wilburn calls for action on cost of living, not partisan maps

Today, Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation requesting the Indiana General Assembly to convene a special session on Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana's congressional maps in the middle of the decade, going into effect for next year's midterm elections.

This unprecedented action follows the majority party of the Indiana General Assembly redrawing Indiana's congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census, and maps which the majority party touted to be fair and representative of the people.

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 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. 

On the heels of House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta's statement, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) released the following statement in response:

"It is first important to note that we in Indiana hold close our traditions. Our tradition, and our long-held process, has been for decades that our redrawing of state and federal district maps has been held after the results of national census. This predictable process has been what Hoosiers have come to expect, and it was what they deserve. A sentiment often said in both the House and Senate chambers is that our state government is in no way like the politics of Washington, D.C. This is no longer true, and working families in our district are struggling to get by right now. They're struggling to pay their energy bills. They're struggling to pay their property tax bill. They're struggling to pay for health care. This isn't the time to play political games by pursuing an unprecedented redrawing of our congressional maps in the middle of the decade. Instead, our state government should be focused on the very real problems that Hoosier families are facing. That is what I have been doing and that is what I will continue to do, and this special session will only take me away from the very important work that I am privileged to do.

"I urge Hamilton County legislators to pose a united front and take a strong stance against redistricting. We can be patriots who are committed to our constituents and who are loyal to the importance of letting voters choose their representation. The leadership in our county is proof that there is a higher road our state can take instead of partisanship for partisanship's sake."

IBLC condemns special session to redistrict Indiana congressional maps mid-decade

Today, Gov. Mike Braun called legislators back to the Statehouse for a special session to redraw Indiana's congressional maps mid-decade. Lawmakers are set to hold session starting Monday, Nov. 3.

State Rep. Earl Harris Jr. (D-East Chicago), chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), issued the following statement on behalf of the IBLC:

"Since President Donald Trump first began pressuring Republicans across the country to redraw congressional maps earlier this summer, Hoosiers have made one thing clear: they do not want new maps. Gov. Braun's decision prioritizes political games over the will of the people he was elected to serve. The question is simple: Does Braun serve Hoosiers, or Washington, D.C.?

"Indiana residents deserve fair and balanced representation in Congress. When the maps were redrawn in 2021, as required by the Constitution, our Republican colleagues repeatedly assured us that they were fair. So why the sudden change now? It's not because constituents demanded it – it's because President Trump and Vice President JD Vance successfully pressured them into submission.  

"There's a misconception that Indiana is a solidly 'red state.' In reality, President Trump only received 58% of the vote here in 2024. Indiana is a purple state with challenges in voter turnout. Calling a special session to redraw maps will only further discourage Hoosiers from participating in elections. Reps. Frank Mrvan and Andre Carson have repeatedly earned the trust of their constituents. Yet instead of listening to local communities, Indiana Republicans are disenfranchising them.

"Hoosiers don’t need new congressional maps—they need higher wages, affordable health care, accessible childcare and housing, and lower utility costs. These are the real issues affecting people’s daily lives. Yet the governor and Republican supermajority are wasting time—and taxpayer dollars—bowing to President Trump. This isn’t just disappointing—it’s an embarrassment to our state.

"We urge all Hoosiers to sign the petition set up by Common Cause Indiana to make their stance on redistricting clear to lawmakers. Call your state representative, senator and Gov. Braun to share your concerns. On the first day of special session, the IBLC encourages everyone to come to the Statehouse to make their voices heard and to understand the potential impact of redistricting.  

"The IBLC will stand alongside our Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate to fight this blatant power grab. Hoosiers are worth defending, and we will do everything possible to ensure congressional maps remain fair and balanced—because democracy should not be redrawn for political gain."

Burton: “Hoosiers need relief and solutions, not political theater”

State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) released the following statement today in response to Gov. Braun’s announcement of a special session:

"Once again, the Statehouse is putting politics before people. Instead of tackling the real problems facing Hoosiers, legislative leaders are racing to redraw political lines and score political points. Meanwhile, families are still struggling with rising utility costs, unaffordable child and health care, a broken DCS system, limited access to quality housing and the ongoing harm caused by Senate Enrolled Act 1.

"If we set the precedent of ignoring process and transparency when it comes to redistricting, what’s next?

"And while some are focused on reshaping maps, I can’t help but think about the questions I hear from people back home: 'What about the cost of eggs?' Hoosiers believed in a message that spoke to the reality of increased costs and the promise of relief. But instead of addressing those everyday struggles, I’m being asked to vote on redrawing Congressional maps mid-decade, before we even consider measures to provide relief to municipalities, lower energy costs, improve housing, expand child care access, fix health care, adequately fund public schools, guarantee school safety, or ensure our water is safe to drink.

"I wasn’t elected to engage in political theater. My neighbors in District 77 sent me here to deliver relief, answers and proactive legislation – not to waste time on partisan distractions.

"Now that a special session has been called, let’s use this opportunity to fix what’s broken – starting with SEA 1 – and refocus on the issues that actually impact Hoosiers’ daily lives. Our communities deserve leaders who prioritize solutions over self-interest.

"I’ll continue fighting for policies that make life in Indiana more affordable, stable and fair for working families.

"To continue this dialogue, I look forward to hearing from constituents at my upcoming Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. CST at the EPL McCollough Branch, where I will be joined by Former Indiana Senator and Former U.S. Ambassador to The Holy See, Joe Donnelly."

DeLaney responds to announcement of special session

Today, Oct. 27, State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Braun’s announcement of a special session focused on redistricting: 

“I would be happy to have a special session to help the people we were elected to serve – Hoosier taxpayers – not to play a political game. It seems the Governor and I have a different understanding of who we are beholden to.”

Campbell against special session: ‘increased political division doesn’t help Hoosiers’

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. 

State Rep. Chris Campbell (D-West Lafayette) released the following statement: 

"Redrawing Indiana's maps and drawing elected officials from their seats is a massive disservice to Hoosiers. It feeds further into political division at a time when many are tired of watching our country split down party lines. We should do what’s best for our communities – not what’s best for Washington, D.C., or for a political party.

“This is an effort to rig future elections and cheat voters out of their electoral power. There's no rationalizing this decision. Instead of voters choosing their representative, the people in power are choosing for them. 

“New maps won’t help our communities. It doesn’t solve the child care crisis. It doesn’t lower the cost-of-living or lower your utility bills. It doesn’t help our public schools. 

“I'll fight against this move to consolidate power, so we can preserve the idea of one voter, one vote.”

Klinker against redistricting special session

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. 

State Rep. Sheila Klinker (D- Lafayette) released the following statement: 

“I’m devastated that Gov. Braun has called a special session to redraw Indiana’s maps. This effort is unnecessary and a waste of Hoosiers’ hard-earned tax dollars. The 2022 special session cost taxpayers over a quarter of a million dollars. Redistricting erodes our commitment to fair elections, and it puts the votes of thousands of Hoosiers at risk. As lawmakers, we cannot put allegiance to a political party above our oaths to the people. We are not here at the Statehouse to be our own voice, but to be the voice for the thousands we represent.

“Those thousands we represent have been loud and clear. Many voters in Tippecanoe County, on both sides of the aisle, have rallied, called or emailed against this effort. The people I’ve had the pleasure to speak with believe this is unnecessary and a waste of taxpayers’ money. They want fair maps that accurately reflect the will of their communities. 

“I’ll be there to share your thoughts with the rest of the General Assembly.” 

Hamilton denounces special session to silence Hoosiers voters

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 completing any new business. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session.

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Caucus Chair, issued the following statement:

"Polling has made it very clear that voters across Indiana oppose mid-decade redistricting, yet here we are being summoned for an expensive special session that serves no public interest. After months of pressure from the political establishment, the governor has abandoned all respect for the will of the people.

“Republicans are aware that people are tired of their failed policies that have left working families struggling to make ends meet. Rather than redrawing maps to protect Washington insiders from the consequences of slashing healthcare and showering billionaires with tax breaks, we should be focused on helping Hoosiers that are struggling to afford utility bills, childcare and healthcare. 

“Our constituents elected us to be their voices at the Statehouse, not play political games to silence them. I'm hopeful that legislators from both parties will demonstrate the independence and common sense to reject this nakedly partisan scheme.”

Andrade responds to Governor’s call for special session to redistrict Indiana’s congressional maps

Today, State Rep. Mike Andrade (D-Munster) issued the following statement in response to Gov. Braun’s call for a special session to take away the power of the people in the name of partisan politics:

“Despite clear opposition from Hoosiers, the Governor has officially called for a taxpayer-funded special session to redraw our congressional maps. Now, it’s up to the General Assembly to stand tall, stand strong and stand fair with Hoosiers against this pressure. I will continue to fight for my district and ensure our neighbors’ voices are heard.”

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.