(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana 1st District Congressman Frank Mrvan has seemingly conceded that some of the state’s Congressional lines will be redrawn.
Vice President JD Vance had a meeting with Hoosier GOP leaders on Thursday. During a brief visit Vance met with Governor Mike Braun and the House and Senate leaders. The governor confirmed that the topic of redistricting was discussed, but did not elaborate.
Congressional redistricting, also known as gerrymandering, is being considered in other states, especially Texas, where the legislature is currently gridlocked on the issue. Speculation has been growing that Indiana Republicans may remap the state's only two Democrat-controlled districts: Indianapolis and Northwest Indiana.
The Democrat currently representing Northwest Indiana, including part of La Porte County, is Mrvan. He gave a fiery speech at a press conference in the Indiana Statehouse on Thursday.
He opened by referring to Vance’s visit. “Today JD Vance and Donald Trump brought the circus to Indianapolis,” he said, “because they are afraid of checks and balances.”
Mrvan said the Trump administration is putting pressure on states to realign certain districts. “They’ve tried to do everything they can to intimidate,” he said. “I ask the state legislatures and the moderates of Indiana and those who believe in checks and balances and our government to stand up to them and not to bend the knee,” Mrvan continued, “and no matter what district they put me in, I will fight for working class people.”
Indiana's 1st Congressional seat has been occupied by a Democrat for nearly 100 years, but Republicans have closed the gap in recent elections.
GOP leaders have downplayed possible redistricting, but Mrvan suggested that it’s going to happen. “I believe, humbly, that this is a done deal,” he told the crowd.
Mrvan concluded with some tongue-in-cheek advice for Indiana’s governor. “No matter if Governor Braun bends a knee to Vance and Trump, it isn’t going to increase his prospect of becoming President of the United States,” Mrvan said.
He also reiterated his support for union labor, Hoosier manufacturing, Medicare, and access to healthcare in general, particularly abortion.
