(INDIANAPOLIS) - The fight over Indiana's congressional map erupted Tuesday as lawmakers clashed over a Republican plan that openly aims to tilt political power. Representative Ben Smaltz of Auburn acknowledged his redistricting bill is designed to give Republicans a political edge ahead of the 2026 midterms. His proposal would carve Marion County -- the core of Indianapolis -- into four congressional districts instead of one.
Democratic Representative Cherrish Pryor blasted the move as racial gerrymandering and a clear violation of the the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. Smaltz dismissed the criticism, saying the courts can decide whether the map is legal. Election officials warn the timing could be disastrous. Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell said the plan would trigger "chaos," leaving workers only months to reassign hundreds of thousands of voters, retrain poll workers, and overhaul election materials before early voting begins. The House committee is expected to vote on the controversial bill next week.