In the Midwest, a battle has heated up among Republicans and Democrats in Indiana.

Democratic districts are completely erased in the state’s newly proposed congressional map, WFYI reports. This would dramatically reshape the Hoosier state’s political landscape to favor Republicans.

Currently, Republicans hold seven of Indiana's nine U.S. House seats. The new map unveiled by Indiana House Republicans on Monday, divides Marion County, including Indianapolis, a known Democratic stronghold, into four distinct districts. 

Currently, most of Indianapolis is in the 7th district and represented by Democrat André Carson. However, the new lines chop up the city across multiple districts and dilute the concentrated Democratic vote, which would weaken minority representation.

The map also reconfigures the 1st District, held by Democrat Frank Mrvan, by expanding it to include more rural, conservative-leaning counties in northern Indiana. 

The changes are part of a broader Republican effort, motivated by the current administration, to redraw state maps mid-decade that would bolster GOP advantages in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.

It’s a familiar strategy — a play-by-play that we’ve seen in various states recently, including Georgia, and in successful retaliation, California. However, this map is said to be “one of the most egregious congressional maps” to date, as it’s designed to give a 9-0 Republican advantage.

It’s a plan that’s been brewing for a little while, leaving lawmakers and local leaders frustrated. “The only way our democracy in Indiana can be strengthened is a fair and transparent redistricting process … Gerrymandering is sin,” said Rev. David Greene of Indianapolis-based Purpose of Life Ministries at a news conference in September. 

Lawmakers have also reported violent threats to their homes and families due to rising political tensions. 

“This new Indiana gerrymander arrives amidst an alarming and seemingly coordinated series of threats targeting lawmakers and their families over the last few weeks, including over the Thanksgiving holiday, and it should be rejected out of hand by every decent person,” said John Bisognano, President of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC).

“The violent threats and intimidation campaign reveal how desperate Washington Republicans are to unfairly rig the midterm elections, in order to avoid being held accountable for increasing health care costs, housing costs, and even groceries. Indiana Republicans still have a choice: they can listen to their constituents who overwhelmingly reject this unAmerican plot, or they can take their orders from the Washington Republicans behind this mid-decade gerrymandering scheme.” 

The state House is expected to vote soon on the proposal, while the Senate remains uncertain.