Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Warns Early Redistricting Could Weaken Black Voting Power

Indiana Black Legislative Caucus Warns Early Redistricting Could Weaken Black Voting Power

The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC) is raising alarms over a push to redraw Indiana’s congressional map years ahead of schedule. This could significantly weaken the political power of Black voters across the state.

During a press conference Monday in Indianapolis, IBLC members spoke out against what they called an “unprecedented” mid-decade redistricting effort driven by Indiana Republicans and supported by President Donald Trump. Redistricting typically takes place after the Census every ten years, meaning Indiana’s next update isn’t expected until after 2030.

“Mid-decade redistricting is unprecedented in Indiana,” said IBLC Chair Rep. Earl Harris Jr. “It undermines the democratic process and threatens to silence voters, especially in communities of color.”

Indiana’s congressional map was last drawn in 2021. Republicans currently hold seven of Indiana’s nine seats in the U.S. House, while Democrats hold two — U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan in Northwest Indiana and U.S. Rep. André Carson in Indianapolis.

Harris noted that both Democratic representatives have been consistently re-elected and represent areas where Black and minority voters make up large portions of the population.

“Communities of color in Gary, Indianapolis, and Fort Wayne make up more than half of Indiana’s Black population,” Harris said. “Their voices are not optional.”

Carson’s district is considered the safest Democratic seat in the state, according to the Cook Partisan Voting Index. Mrvan’s district, however, is one of Indiana’s most competitive.

IBLC members warned that new boundaries could split or cluster Black communities in ways that reduce their influence — tactics known as cracking and packing.

“Redistricting isn’t just a map-making exercise, it’s a power-shaping decision,” Harris said. “And when that power is manipulated, it’s communities of color that will pay the price in representation, in resources, and in respect.”

Rep. Cherrish Pryor noted that although Indiana leans conservative, a significant number of Hoosiers vote Democratic and deserve representation that reflects that.

IBLC members said they are already preparing potential strategies should early redistricting move forward, though they did not disclose details. Sen. Greg Taylor emphasized the importance of voter turnout, saying strong participation could help overcome newly drawn lines.

The caucus, which includes more than a dozen Black lawmakers, says they plan to keep Hoosiers informed as the situation develops.