Trump Targets Indiana Senate Leader Rod Bray in Redistricting Dispute
Former White House Legislative Affairs Director Marc Short recently discussed President Donald Trump’s strong criticism of Indiana Republican state senators, the Democratic National Committee’s (DNC) strategies for the 2026 midterms, and the ongoing affordability crisis. The most prominent point of contention? President Trump’s vow to actively campaign against Indiana Senate Majority Leader Rod Bray.
On Saturday, President Trump declared his intention to “take out” Rod Bray after the Indiana Senate resisted a new congressional map championed by the former president. Trump took to Truth Social, accusing Bray of “betraying” the Republican Party following the chamber’s vote against the proposed map last month. This map aimed to create two additional right-leaning congressional districts within the state.
Trump announced a partnership with David McIntosh, a former Indiana congressman and founder of the Federalist Society and Club for Growth, to specifically target Bray. “I was with David McIntosh of the Club for Growth, and we agreed that we will both work tirelessly together to take out Indiana Senate Majority Leader Rod Bray, a total RINO, who betrayed the Republican Party, the President of the United States, and everyone else who wants to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!” Trump stated.
Escalating Tensions and a Public Feud
This isn’t an isolated incident. Trump has been actively pushing for redistricting efforts across several states, including Texas, Missouri, North Carolina, and Ohio, ahead of the crucial midterm elections. The Indiana Senate’s December vote – 31-19, with 21 Republicans joining 10 Democrats – against the new congressional map, was a significant setback for Trump’s plans. The proposed map would have eliminated the districts of two Democratic representatives.
While the redistricting bill passed the Indiana House, Republican leaders in the Senate, including Rod Bray, demonstrated resistance. Bray repeatedly stated a lack of sufficient support within the chamber to proceed with redistricting. However, Trump consistently pressured Bray and other hesitant lawmakers, urging them to “make the right decision.”
McIntosh echoed Trump’s sentiments, confirming his alignment with the former president’s strategy. “President Trump and I are aligned,” he wrote on X. “Rod Bray is going down.”
Broader Implications for the 2026 Midterms
This conflict extends beyond Indiana. Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, criticizing Bray following a similar situation in Virginia, where Democrats moved to seize redistricting power. Vance argued that Bray’s inaction would diminish the influence of Indiana Republicans compared to Virginia Democrats. He stated on X, “I’d like to thank @bray_rodric for not even trying to fight back against this extraordinary Democrat abuse of power…We told you it would happen, and you did nothing.”
The stakes are high as both parties gear up for the 2026 midterm elections. Redistricting battles, like the one unfolding in Indiana, are crucial for shaping the political landscape and determining control of Congress. This situation highlights the intense partisan divisions and the lengths to which both sides are willing to go to gain an advantage.
Further Reading: For more information on redistricting efforts nationwide, see The Brennan Center for Justice’s redistricting page.
