Indiana Republican state senators joined Democrats last week to torpedo plans for a redrawn congressional map that would benefit the GOP. Opponents of the new map framed their stance as a matter of principle, though it is unclear what kind of principle calls for ceding power to your political opponents.
In an interview with PBS, Indiana State Senator Mike Bohacek, one of the Republican opponents of redistricting, said he was concerned about setting a precedent for voting on the matter every two years. He also claimed that to his constituents, “[…] it feels like we’re trying to rig the system and steal and using other states’ bad behavior as the excuse. That’s just not how folks in Indiana are.”
It’s a pleasant soundbite, but Bohacek never explains what exactly is wrong with Republicans using every possible electoral tool to their advantage. Is the purpose of politics to win and enact policy, unless perhaps you are a conservative. Bohacek’s mentality is an example of the loser-itis that has dominated conservative thought until President Trump came down the golden escalator in 2025..
Another Republican opponent of redistricting, State Senator Spencer Deery, argued that helping the Democrats keep the house is, in actuality, advancing the cause of conservatism. According to Deery, “As long as I have breath, I will use my voice to resist a federal government that attempts to bully, direct and control this state or any state. Giving the federal government more power is not conservative.” Call it the conservative case for shooting yourself in the foot.
Of course, no matter how much Democrats disingenuously praise Indiana Republicans for their dedication to principle, no detente on this issue exists. Virginia Democrats are moving forward with redistricting following Abigail Spanberger’s gubernatorial victory, California already passed a pro-Democratic redistricting proposition, and both New York and Illinois are considering redrawing their maps. Given the GOP’s slim majority in the House, one or two seats could make the difference next year.
Indiana Republican politicians may wish that we lived in a less-polarized, more cordial time. But we don’t, and the only solution is to play to win, not punt and pat yourself on the back for playing by rules ignored by your opponents.
