INDIANAPOLIS—Senator J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis) criticized Governor Mike Braun’s decision to call the General Assembly back for a special session to deliver two congressional seats to the White House amid ongoing struggles for Indiana families.
“It is unconscionable that Governor Braun would ignore the real issues going on around our state and instead choose to focus on partisan politics,” said Ford. “He should be focused less on his relationship with Trump and more on delivering for Hoosier families.”
Ford, who serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Elections Committee, was quick to dismiss the false premise used to justify the now imminent special session.
“We have heard how Indiana has to rig our maps to respond to states like California and Illinois,” said Ford. “We cannot forget that this all started with Trump directing Texas to break precedent and steal seats.”
Ford also stressed the need for impartial voices and transparency when it comes to looking at any new map going forward.
“If President Donald Trump is pressuring lawmakers directly, we cannot ignore a blatant conflict of interest when it comes to making decisions on future congressional maps,” said Ford. “If there were genuine concerns with our maps, we should move forward with an independent redistricting commission to address them.
In 2021, Ford served on the committee that oversaw redistricting after the 2020 census, and recalled the praise that the current maps received at the time.
“Just four short years ago, we heard how these maps were perfect,” said Ford. “The only thing that has changed since then is our current administration has pushed through policy that is hurting families and knows that they will pay the price at the ballot box in 2026 unless they change the rules.”
Ford reiterated that he will stand alongside his constituents and caucus in pursuing every legal recourse to halt the map-rigging scheme.
