Rep. Marlin Stutzman Calls for Indiana to Redraw Congressional Maps in Newsmax Interview

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) urged Indiana lawmakers to move forward with redrawing the state’s congressional districts during a May 4, 2026, interview on Newsmax, saying it is time for the state to capitalize on the recent Supreme Court ruling and protect Republican gains ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Stutzman, who represents Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District, told Newsmax that the Supreme Court’s decision striking down Louisiana’s racially gerrymandered map removes legal obstacles and gives Republican-led states like Indiana a clear path to update their congressional boundaries. He emphasized that Indiana’s current map, drawn after the 2020 census, no longer accurately reflects the state’s strong Republican voter advantage and rapid population growth in conservative areas.

The congressman noted that Indiana currently holds nine congressional seats, with Republicans occupying seven and Democrats holding two. He argued that a new map could realistically produce an 8-1 or even 9-0 Republican delegation, better aligning districts with current voter preferences.

Stutzman’s comments come as several Southern and Sun Belt states have begun mid-decade redistricting efforts following the Supreme Court’s 6-3 ruling in Louisiana v. Callais. The decision held that the Voting Rights Act does not require states to create additional majority-minority districts when race predominates over traditional redistricting criteria such as compactness and contiguity.

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and Republican legislative leaders have previously considered special sessions for redistricting, though earlier attempts in late 2025 faced internal GOP resistance. Stutzman expressed confidence that the high court’s guidance has now created momentum for action.

He stressed that the effort is about fair representation rather than partisan advantage, stating that maps should reflect the will of the voters rather than outdated racial quotas.

Democrats and voting rights groups have criticized the push as partisan gerrymandering aimed at diluting minority voting power. Republicans counter that the Supreme Court ruling simply restores constitutional redistricting principles.

The Indiana General Assembly, which holds strong Republican supermajorities, could call a special session as early as this summer to address congressional redistricting. No firm date has been set, but Stutzman’s public encouragement signals growing pressure from the state’s congressional delegation to act before the 2026 election cycle.

Stutzman’s interview underscores the accelerating national trend of Republican-led states seeking to maximize their congressional advantages in the wake of the Supreme Court decision. Similar efforts are underway or expected in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina, potentially delivering Republicans a substantial net gain in the U.S. House.