Whitewater Valley Split: Proposed Congressional Map Separates Regional Counties

The Indiana General Assembly has introduced the 2025 Draft Congressional Plan (House Bill 1032), a proposal that would significantly alter the district boundaries for the Whitewater Valley region. The plan contrasts sharply with the current map by dividing counties that have traditionally been represented together.

This change is a significant departure from the existing Congressional map (adopted in 2021). Currently, Fayette County and Wayne County are grouped within the 6th District, while Franklin County is situated in the 9th District. The new draft map proposes to separate Fayette from Wayne, and pull Franklin from the 9th, consolidating them into new districts.

The Proposed New Districts

The new plan would split the core Whitewater Valley counties across two different Congressional Districts

The new district lines are notable for combining the region’s counties with a major urban center, placing segments of Marion County (Indianapolis) into both new districts.

Proposed District 6 would include Fayette County alongside a significant portion of Marion County (Indianapolis), with the district also encompassing counties such as Johnson, Shelby, Decatur, and Rush. Proposed District 7 would include Union, Wayne, and Franklin counties. This district would also include a segment of Marion County (Indianapolis) and extend to the Ohio border, including counties like Henry, Delaware, and Madison. The new boundaries ensure that the Congressional representative for both districts would also be representing large segments of the Indianapolis population.

Legislative Rationale and Debate

The map’s author, Rep. Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn), was clear about the intent behind the new boundaries, emphasizing political strategy. Rep. Smaltz made the following statements regarding the map’s purpose: “To be clear, we have drawn these maps to draw a Republican advantage.” He also stated that the maps are “politically gerrymandered, if you’d like to say that”.

In defending the proposal, other members of the majority party cited actions taken in states controlled by the Democratic party. House Elections Committee Chair Tim Wesco (R-Osceola) cited national politics, saying the thought of Democrat-favored maps in California and Illinois motivates his stance. Chair Wesco stated, “I don’t like these rules, but I didn’t make these rules”. The map is designed to counteract redistricting efforts in other states; this sentiment was supported by others in favor of the bill, who pointed out that California, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Utah have already heeded—or countered—similar national political calls for U.S. House seats.

The proposal to divide Marion County into four separate districts has drawn sharp criticism from opponents who argue the map undermines community interests. U.S. Rep. André Carson (D-Indianapolis) stated that the map ignores local interests, saying, “Splicing our state’s largest city—and its biggest economic driver—into four parts is ridiculous. It’s clear these orders are coming from Washington, and they clearly don’t know the first thing about our community”. State Rep. Blake Johnson (D-Indianapolis) questioned the connection between the new areas, asking, “What does a small-town teacher in Franklin County have in common with someone who looks out their window and sees Lucas Oil Stadium? None, absolutely none”. Former Republican Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann also urged lawmakers to reject the bill, stating, “For those who believe you can do this and go home, be forewarned, Hoosiers will remember and may well hold you accountable”.

Public Comment and Next Steps

The map is currently a draft proposal contained in House Bill 1032. The bill has advanced out of the House Elections and Apportionment Committee and is expected to move toward a full vote in the House this week. The Senate is scheduled to take up the measure for discussion on Monday, December 8th. Members of the public can contact their individual state representatives and senators regarding House Bill 1032 as the bill moves through both chambers.