Howard County Democratic Party condemns call for special session on mid-cycle redistricting

Monday, October 27, 2025 at 12:24 PM

By Staff report

The Howard County Democratic Party is condemning Governor Mike Braun’s call for a special session of the Indiana General Assembly to reopen and redraw the state’s congressional maps — a move party leaders call a wasteful power grab that undermines public trust in Indiana’s elections.

According to multiple reports, Governor Braun could convene the session as soon as Monday, bringing lawmakers back to Indianapolis to redraw district lines originally approved in 2021. Those maps were meant to last until 2031, following the next federal census.

“This is cheating, plain and simple,” said HCDP Chair Lisa Washington. “The maps we have were drawn less than four years ago. Reopening them now doesn’t serve voters — it serves politicians who are scared to face them.”

The Howard County Democrats argue that the plan represents a dangerous precedent — breaking faith with Hoosiers who expect stable, fair representation. The move would also cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars for a session focused on political self-preservation rather than public need.

“Every hour spent on this special session is an hour not spent addressing real issues — schools, jobs, health care,” said Lisa Washington. “Indiana families play by the rules. We expect our leaders to do the same.”

The party has launched a new “Contact Your Lawmakers” action page where residents can email or call their local representatives and sign a petition demanding they vote NO on any mid-cycle redistricting plan.

The tool provides contact information and a way to send messages to Sen. Stacey Donato, Sen. Jim Buck, Rep. Mike Karickhoff, and Rep. Heath VanNatter, who each represent portions of Howard County.

“This fight may come down to a few votes,” Lisa Washington added. “If our legislators claim to stand for fairness and fiscal responsibility, this is the moment to prove it.”

The Howard County Democratic Party is urging residents to take action immediately through the new contact page found by going to HowardCountyDemocrats.com