Former President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Indiana State Senator Rodric Bray over the contentious issue of redistricting in the state. In a post on Truth Social, Trump labeled Bray a “total RINO” (Republican In Name Only) who has betrayed both the Republican Party and the efforts to “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.” Trump, alongside David McIntosh of the Club for Growth, voiced his commitment to unseat Bray, stating, “We’re after you Bray, like no one has ever come after you before!”
McIntosh, a former Republican representative for Indiana, echoed Trump’s sentiments on social media platform X, affirming their unified stance against Bray.
This criticism comes at a time when Trump is urging Republican-led states to consider redrawing congressional district maps not just after the census but mid-cycle to bolster GOP representation for the 2026 midterm elections. Trump’s broader strategy aims to help maintain or expand the Republican majority in the House of Representatives. Such efforts have sparked widespread gerrymandering disputes across the nation, with both Republicans and Democrats pushing to alter electoral maps to their advantage. Recent actions in Virginia, where House Democrats approved a redistricting constitutional amendment, reflect this ongoing battle.
In December, the Indiana State Senate rejected a proposal to redraw its congressional maps, halting a bill backed by Governor Mike Braun, who had called for a special session to discuss redistricting. The defeat underlined a significant split within the party, with 21 Republicans joining the Democrats to oppose the measure in a decisive 31-19 vote.
Vice President JD Vance has also criticized Bray, expressing disappointment over his lack of resistance against perceived Democratic overreach. Vance’s remarks highlight a growing frustration among some Republican leaders regarding Bray’s stance on redistricting.
The political landscape surrounding Indiana’s congressional map adjustments remains uncertain, as Bray becomes a focal point of internal party conflict. Trump’s previous attacks, describing Bray as “weak and pathetic,” indicate ongoing tensions that could shape future legislative actions.
As debates over redistricting continue, the implications for Indiana’s electoral landscape and the Republican Party could be significant. With pressures mounting, the state’s GOP may need to address not only the electoral maps but also internal divisions to enhance their prospects for the approaching elections.