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NPR: Redistricting in Indiana was supposed to be a slam dunk. It has proven anything but

December 11, 2025 in Recent Media Coverage

Protesters gather outside the Senate chamber at the Indiana statehouse in Indianapolis as senators meet during a special session to vote on a new congressional map on Monday. Obed Lamy/AP

Efforts to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts under pressure from President Trump have encountered unexpected resistance, sparking public debate and widespread protests at the State Capitol. The proposed map could have eliminated the state’s two Democratic seats and divided Indianapolis into multiple districts, raising concerns about constituent services and local representation. NPR turned to University of Indianapolis Associate Professor of Political Science Laura Merrifield Wilson for expert analysis about the state’s politics and its broader national impact. She called Indiana a pivotal test for Trump’s control of the Republican Party, noting that “the real losers are the voters in those congressional districts.” Wilson’s expertise highlights how partisan redistricting can shape political power, affect voter influence, and spark civic engagement, underscoring broader implications for democratic representation and electoral fairness nationwide.