‘They understand the microscope they’re under’: White House ratchets up redistricting pressure
INDIANAPOLIS — JD Vance brought reinforcements to his meeting with Indiana Republicans on Thursday, as the White House ramps up its pressure in red states to redraw their congressional maps ahead of the midterms.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff James Blair, White House Counsel Dave Warrington and Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Director Alex Meyer took personal days to join Vance in making the pitch to lawmakers, according to a person familiar with the plans, granted anonymity to discuss a sensitive meeting. The trio took part in the conversation in their personal capacity.
One person inside the room, granted anonymity to describe the private conversation, said Vance “made a compelling case for what needs to be done,” as lawmakers asked questions and for more details.
“We’re optimistic they will do the right thing,” the person said. “They understand the microscope they are under.”
The inclusion of other top White House officials shows just how important the effort is for President Donald Trump as he hopes to retain power in Congress through the end of his term. In recent days, Trump’s team has pushed Republicans to redraw maps “everywhere where redistricting is an option.”A plan in Texas is already well underway, where Democrats in the Lone Star state fled in a last-ditch effort to stop the Legislature from passing a map that could net Republicans up to five seats.
A black curtain hung in front of the governor’s office as Vance met with legislative leaders, and Vance left the statehouse and headed to a local hotel for a Republican National Committee fundraiser. Still, Republicans in the state remained noncommittal following the conversation.
Gov. Mike Braun told reporters the meeting “covered a wide array of topics.” In response to a question about whether an agreement was reached, he said, “We listened.”
The meeting — which took place amid sustained booing by protesters gathered inside the statehouse — went “pretty good,” Braun added.
In statements following their meeting with Vance, neither Republican House Speaker Todd Huston nor Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray mentioned “redistricting.”
At a rally following Vance’s talk with GOP lawmakers, Democrat Rep. Frank Mrvan said Republicans are “are afraid of the polling that they see,” and it’s led them to pursue redrawing the congressional maps.
“I know very confidently, and I believe, humbly, that this isn’t a done deal,” Mrvan said. “No matter if Gov. Braun bends the knee to Vance and Trump, it isn’t going to increase his prospect of being president of the United States.”
Mrvan’s lone Democratic colleague, Rep. Andre Carson, called on Republicans to reject the White House push.
“An attempt to silence our vote exists right now,” Carson told the crowd. “We want our Republican friends to do the right thing.”
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