By VICTORIA GARCIA WILBURN
State Representative
Hamilton County lawmakers have long earned a reputation for being pragmatic problem solvers. They consistently look out for the best interests of their cities, towns, and the entire state, while keeping the noise of political divisiveness and power grabs from Washington out of their work. This cohesiveness for the common good is one of the key reasons Hamilton County continues to attract residents from across Indiana and beyond.
In recent days, several well-respected leaders have spoken out against the unprecedented push for mid-decade redistricting. Former Gov. Mitch Daniels, Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen, Rep. Danny Lopez, and Sen. Kyle Walker have all joined the growing chorus warning that the desire for control from Washington does not supersede the decorum, responsibility, and duty owed by elected officials to the constituents who put them in office.
This is leadership in action. Their courage, clarity and commitment to keeping the will of the people at the center of their governing deserves applause.
Yet two days before families gather for Thanksgiving, Speaker Todd Huston has called the legislature back early for the 2026 session to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps. The purpose behind this redrawing has been clear from the start. In his own words, President Trump wrote on Truth Social, “Very disappointed in Indiana State Senate Republicans, for not wanting to redistrict their State, allowing the United States Congress to perhaps gain two more Republican seats.”
Following these remarks, we saw a series of alarming swatting attempts, including one directed at Sen. Walker. It is shameful. Shameful that our politics have reached a point where disagreement is met with intimidation.
But we do not have to accept this as the new normal.
We have an opportunity for lawmakers across Indiana to join the pragmatic problem solvers of Hamilton County and stand with the will of the people. Recent polling shows that 60 percent of Hoosiers oppose mid-decade redistricting. They understand that reopening congressional maps in the middle of a decade is unnecessary, destabilizing, and driven by national political pressure rather than local needs.
We can call on those who originally drew the maps, and those who have not yet answered to their constituents, to recognize that this decision is different. A vote to oppose redrawing our congressional districts would show that the majority party is still capable of governing for the people, not for the preferences of a president or political insiders.
Indiana is watching. And Hoosiers are ready to stand with those who put public service above political pressure.
State Representative Victoria Garcia represents District 32 in the Indiana House, which includes Fishers and southern portions of Carmel.