* The vote was 19 in favor to 31 against. Indianapolis Star…

The Indiana Senate rejected mid-decade redistricting today, capping off a bitter state fight for control of Congress that has divided the GOP, spurred violent threats and dramatically changed the political landscape ahead of the midterm elections.

The failure will likely be seen by President Donald Trump and his allies as a rebuke of his vision for cementing a congressional majority at all costs. Several groups have promised to spend top dollar on unseating those who oppose redistricting, setting the stage for a messy primary if the Senate did not pass the bill.

* The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Gaskill (R-Pendleton) warned members during his closing arguments about this threat…

Transcript…

And then I tell you, I believe what Washington DC says, whether it’s right or whether it’s wrong, consider this is going to be important to you as all of us, when they take away all the money that they can take away from this state and not give it to us, our citizens will be harmed. Our duty is not to be here to harm our citizens. Our duty is to be here to help our citizens. And if we don’t get that money, especially the block grant education money, we will be harmed.

* Sen. Gaskill regarding Republican primary threats from the president and his cohorts…

I know what’s about to happen to some of my friends in this chamber. You can believe it or not. You can believe it or not, but when they come into your districts, and I’m not lying, with $2-3 million, I know you’ll try your best. You’ll do what you can. But I believe in the end, most of you won’t be here anymore, and that takes courage to give up your seat when you don’t want to help, or, I’ll take that back, when you have an opportunity to help your country.

Just two of the threats…

Rod Bray, the Senate leader in Indiana, has consistently told us he wouldn't fight redistricting while simultaneously whipping his members against it. That level of dishonesty cannot be rewarded, and the Indiana GOP needs to choose a side. https://t.co/63Vg7qkpDg

— JD Vance (@JDVance) December 11, 2025

Bray voted “No.”

* This post will likely be updated.

*** UPDATE 1 *** This doesn’t necessarily take the issue off the table here. Gov. Pritzker has said he would push to remap Illinois’ congressional districts if Indiana changed theirs. Pritzker said earlier that were “paired” with Indiana. Does this mean we could pair up with another Republican state? I’ve asked the governor’s office for clarification…

Our neighbors in Indiana have stood up to Trump's threats and political pressure, instead choosing to do what's right for their constituents and our democracy.

Illinois will remain vigilant against his map rigging — our efforts to respond and stop his campaign are being heard.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) December 11, 2025

*** UPDATE 2 *** From a Pritzker spokesperson in response to my above question: “As he’s said many times, all options remain on the table.” So, I guess he’s not taking it off the table.

* Congressional candidate Willie Preston, who also chairs the Senate Black Caucus…

“Donald Trump started this gerrymander war because he knows his policies and performance are so unpopular that they threaten his House majority. And lap dogs like the Indiana Senate almost followed his commands to the letter by enabling an extraordinary and anti-Constitutional mid-decade gerrymander.

“But two wrongs don’t make a right. With the Indiana threat gone and Democrats on the march around this country, I urge Governor Pritzker and our legislative leaders to abandon any redistricting in Illinois that further dilutes Black political power. We have already done our job in Illinois to protect Democratic values. Now let’s not sacrifice our core principles in the pursuit of power. Black Democrats have already given so much to our Party and this nation. We should not be asked to give more.”

*** UPDATE 3 *** From John Patterson, the spokesperson for Senate President Don Harmon…

We will review our options as needed

*** UPDATE 4 *** House Speaker Chris Welch…

In Indiana, Democrats and a few courageous Republicans rightly stood up to Donald Trump’s gerrymandering schemes. To protect and preserve our Republic, we need more Republicans across the country to stand up and fight back against Trump and MAGA’s tyranny. In Illinois, we remain vigilant and committed to protecting our democracy.