Indiana GOP senator refuses to support redistricting after Trump’s slur: 'Words have consequences'

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA: State Senator Mike Bohacek announced he will oppose President Donald Trump’s redistricting plans in Indiana. The Republican lawmaker’s decision comes after Trump used a derogatory slur against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in a Thanksgiving post on Truth Social, which included anti-immigrant remarks.

Upset by Trump’s language, Bohacek declared he would not support the redistricting plan. He posted on Facebook, "Words have consequences." Even though the comment was not directed at him, Bohacek, whose daughter has an intellectual disability, said it crossed an unacceptable political line.

Mike Bohacek breaks with Donald Trump, votes ‘no’ on redistricting after offensive slur

Bohacek, whose daughter has Down syndrome, said President Donald Trump’s comment was deeply personal. The president had used the offensive term in a late-night anti-immigration rant, calling Tim Walz “seriously r*****d.”

On Facebook, Bohacek emphasized, “Words have consequences,” and announced he would vote “NO” on redistricting. He wrote, "Many of you have asked my position on redistricting. I have been an unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities since the birth of my second daughter."

"Those of you who don’t know me or my family might not know that my daughter has Down syndrome," he added. "This is not the first time our president has used these insulting and derogatory references, and his choices of words have consequences."

"I will be voting NO on redistricting; perhaps he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority," Bohacek concluded. The Indiana State Senator, who had not spoken publicly on redistricting before, was one of 19 Republican senators to vote for reconvening in January instead of tackling it in December.

Indiana Republicans face tension over Donald Trump-backed redistricting

Bohacek said Trump still needed to prove that his policies and behavior deserved a congressional majority. His stance comes at a sensitive time for Republicans in Indiana, who are considering whether to redraw the state’s congressional districts only four years after the last redistricting cycle.

Trump has been urging GOP-led states to reshape districts ahead of the 2026 midterms to secure a House majority that his advisers say could be at risk. He has specifically encouraged states like Indiana to redraw congressional maps to create more secure Republican districts for upcoming elections.

According to the Indy Star, redistricting in Indiana appeared stalled for 2025 after Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray said on November 14 there wasn’t enough support. However, on November 25, he reversed course, saying the Senate would review whatever map the House approves.

The House is scheduled to meet on December 1 to discuss the new map, with the Senate expected to vote on December 8.