Martinsville, Indiana — Republican voters in Indiana are signalling they want their state senators to resist pressure from former President Donald Trump over redistricting, even as the issue threatens to spark a political showdown.
The Indiana state Senate is set to begin a weeklong review of new congressional maps that could give Republicans control of all nine House seats, strengthening their grip on a narrow majority in Congress. But Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray has insisted there aren’t enough votes to pass the maps, despite the party holding a 40-10 supermajority.
Trump and his allies have turned the Senate vote into a test of loyalty, vowing to support primary challengers against senators who defy the former president. Yet, many Republican voters across Indiana seem largely indifferent to the drama.
Shrugging Off Pressure
John Badger XIV, a 106-year-old candy shop owner and city councillor in Bray’s hometown of Martinsville, embodies the mood.
“I am not against Trump,” he said, supporting the president on tariffs and the economy. “But there’s no need to redo the maps right now. I won’t be mad about it if they do it, but I don’t think it’s right. I just think it should stay where it is and let it go.”
As for Trump’s threats to unseat Bray in a 2028 primary, Badger is unconcerned. “He’s well liked. I think Rod’s doing a great job up there.”
For many voters, the redistricting battle isn’t a top priority. Debbie Myers, a Martinsville store owner, called the situation “ridiculous” but acknowledged it is “what the president wants.” She praised Bray for being “just very honest” about the political reality and knowing “his numbers.”
Karen Luther, a bookstore employee, described redistricting as a routine political tactic. “Everybody acts like this is some horrible thing. Every party has done it … They probably should just either outlaw it completely or just shut up and let each one do it when they get in there.”
Concerns Over Threats
Some voters expressed concern over the violent threats senators have faced. Catherine Chmiel-Goetzinger, an art gallery manager in Greensburg, said the level of intimidation had grown frightening.
“Everyone is just really concerned about the temperature,” she said. “It’s gotten to a point where even a Republican is getting that kind of attention, just for doing her job … it is very frightening.”
Others, like Jonas Brock, said the issue hasn’t changed their support for Trump. “Personally, I don’t really care. I’m tired of hearing it. I just don’t think it’s that important, with everything else going on in the world,” she said.
Still, voters noted that senators’ positions on redistricting could influence how they vote in state primaries. Chris Robbins, a sporting goods store owner, said breaking with Trump on the issue “would make me look to somebody else.”
“I voted for her in the past. You’ve got to look at the overall picture,” he said. “I mean, that’s the reason we voted for Trump, was his agenda.”
A Sign of Independence
The redistricting fight in Indiana reveals a subtle message from Republican voters: loyalty to Trump does not automatically translate to unquestioning support for every demand. While many remain aligned with his broader agenda, they appear unwilling to prioritise redistricting over local concerns or to punish senators who resist national pressure.
For now, the Senate vote looms, but voters in towns like Martinsville and Greensburg are largely content to watch events unfold — signalling a quiet push for independence within the party.
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