The American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast for Dec. 16, 2025
After weeks of bomb threats and “swatting” calls, tenacious Republican Indiana senators bucked pressure from the governor and the White House and joined Democrats to defeat a gerrymandered congressional map. The map would have given the GOP a 9-0 congressional delegation, but the vote wasn’t close.
The final vote was 31-19, with 21 of 40 Republican senators voting to defeat the map. They have, and continued to be, threatened with being primaried, violence, and hoax “swatting” calls.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun, who called for the gerrymandered maps, condemned the threats, after receiving one himself. But no effort has been made by the White House to stop the fringe elements making the threats. Law enforcement is investigating.
Braun joined President Donald Trump, however, in suggesting the defecting GOP senators should lose their seats. Just before the vote, the Heritage Foundation’s advocacy arm posted, “President Trump has made it clear to Indiana leaders: if the Indiana Senate fails to pass the map, all federal funding will be stripped from the state. Roads will not be paved. Guard bases will close. Major projects will stop. These are the stakes and every NO vote will be to blame.”
Speaking to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, Republican Senator Sue Glick said, “You have to know Hoosiers; we can’t be bullied.”
We’ve linked to the local reporting at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
American Democracy Minute – After the SCOTUS Texas Congressional Gerrymandering Decision, Battles Continue in Missouri, Indiana and Florida
Indiana Capital Chronicle – As threats escalate against Indiana lawmakers, Braun says his family also targeted
Indiana Capital Chronicle – Senate Republicans reject Trump’s plea for gerrymandered maps
PBS NewsHour – WATCH: Trump criticizes Indiana Senate Republicans’ rejection of redistricting effort
Heritage Foundation / Heritage Action on X – “Roads will not be paved. Guard bases will close. Major projects will stop.”
Groups Taking Action:
Common Cause IN, All IN for Democracy, League of Women Voters IN
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – How to Register And Vote in Your State
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