Indiana Governor Mike Braun is speaking out about why he’s calling a special session November 3 to discuss redistricting.

In an interview Monday afternoon on Tony Katz Today, Braun reiterated the need to do it because of actions taken by the Democrats.

“They don’t want the playing field even. I think once this gets to where it goes public, you’re going to see that the votes will be there,” said Braun.

Braun said Democrats haven’t “played by the rules” for a long time. Braun brought up actions taken by largely Democrat states such as California and Illinois to gerrymander so they can have more favorable maps for the 2026 midterms. He says when you see Democrats do that, don’t be surprised when Republicans respond in kind.

“I think any Senators who are still waffling or having trouble making up their mind, I think they’ll hear from their constituents who will tell them to go forward with it,” said Braun.

Indiana follows other Republican-led states, including Texas and Missouri, which have already made changes to their maps. Previously, some members of Indiana’s delegation said the votes for redistricting wouldn’t be there.

“When you hear ‘the votes on that there,’ that’s largely coming from Democrats who don’t want it to occur,” said Braun.

Republicans already hold seven of the state’s nine congressional districts, or 77%. Fewer than 60% of Indiana voters chose a Republican at the top of the ticket in the 2024 presidential election.

Meantime, Indiana Democratic secretary of state candidate Beau Bayh criticized Gov. Braun’s decision.

“It looks like they’re going to try to redraw Indiana’s political maps in the middle of the election cycle and in a special session,” Bayh said. “That’s unnecessary, unwanted and could cost Hoosier taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars.”

Bayh, who is running for secretary of state in 2026, responded to Braun’s official proclamation, which announced the session would focus on revising congressional boundaries and addressing tax code alignment.

“We have real challenges facing our state,” Bayh said. “Farmers are hurting, costs are too high, and schools and hospitals are closing. The legislature should be focused on solving those issues – not on political maneuvering.”

Bayh emphasized that the issue goes beyond party lines. “It doesn’t matter whether Republicans or Democrats are doing it,” he said. “It’s just wrong. Call your representative today.”