The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Oct. 29, 2025
October 27th Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling the state’s legislature into special session on November 3rd to consider congressional redistricting and a tax code issue. This follows weeks of lobbying by Trump administration officials, worried that the GOP may lose control of the U.S. House.
Indiana is already a very red state, with Democrats only holding two of nine seats, District 1 in northwest Indiana, and District 7 in Indianapolis. Creating a GOP-leaning district will require “cracking” the existing districts and diluting liberal strongholds by adding Republican voters from adjoining areas. The Indiana Capital Chronicle reports that the state House has enough votes to pass a gerrymandering plan, but Senate leaders say they’re still short of the votes needed.
In Kansas, Democratic Governor Laura Kelly refused to call a special session for redistricting, but KCUR reports that Senate President Ty Masterson confirmed Oct. 27th that he has the 27 signatures in the state Senate to activate a constitutional provision allowing the legislature to call the session itself. But it’s not yet clear if there are the 84 signatures needed from the House. The only competitive congressional district in the state, Congressional District 1 south of Kansas City, is held by Democrat Sharice Davids.
We’ve linked to local reporting and the current Congressional maps for both states at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – What States are Next? Updates on Pre-Midterm Gerrymandering Prospects in Missouri, Kansas, Florida, Ohio, Alabama & New Hampshire
Indiana Capital Chronicle – Indiana governor summons lawmakers for redistricting session amid national GOP pressure
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun – Gov. Mike Braun Calls Special Session on Redistricting and Federal and State Tax Issue
STATE OF INDIANA EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT – Proclamation
Kansas Reflector – Kansas redistricting ‘hellscape’ and presumed special session get spotlight in Johnson County forum
KCUR – Kansas Senate President Ty Masterson said that enough Republican lawmakers signed on in his chamber to call a special session to consider gerrymandering the state’s congressional map. It’s not clear if the Kansas House has enough support yet, though.
Princeton Gerrymandering Project – Indiana 2021 Congressional – Enacted
Princeton Gerrymandering Project – Kansas 2022 Congressional – Enacted
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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