Organization Day
On November 18, the Indiana General Assembly reconvened for Organization Day to officially kick off the 2026 short session. This capped off a late summer and fall of interim study committee meetings in preparation for the legislative session, all overshadowed by the months-long push to reconvene early to redraw Congressional district maps mid-cycle.
In his annual address to the Indiana House of Representative on Organization Day, Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) began by highlighting a litany of accomplishments by the State and issues tackled during recent sessions to improve affordability for all Hoosiers (property tax reform, economic development investment, reductions to the energy and housing regulatory environment). The easiest thing for the House to do in 2026 would be nothing, but Speaker Huston challenged the body to “take the better path, the one in which we lean into the changes in the economy around us, one in which we can show we can collectively work together at the state and local levels to build our communities throughout the entire state, and one in which we can continue to lead the Midwest in growth and welcoming more people to become Hoosiers.” Huston concluded by stating, “there might be a few speed bumps along the way,” but felt confident the entire body wants the same thing: “a strong, thriving Indiana.” Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne), per tradition, will address the full House on January 5, 2026.
On the Senate side of the Statehouse, breaking with typical Organization Day tradition, neither Minority Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) and Senate President Pro Tempore Rod Bray (R-Martinsville) spoke to the chamber about their respective caucuses 2026 priorities.
As of today’s update, both the House and Senate plan to reconvene for legislative business on January 5, 2026. By law, the session shall adjourn sine die not later than March 14, 2026.
The IU State Relations plans to resume weekly Statehouse Updates beginning on January 16, 2026.
Special Session and Mid-Cycle Congressional Redistricting
For most of the second half of 2025, President Donald Trump has been pushing GOP-led states like Indiana to redraw Congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections to ensure a Republican majority in the U.S. House for the rest of his second term. Redistricting is typically only done after the decennial census. Indiana’s current map, drawn in 2021, is 7-2 Republicans. Democrats hold seats in northwest and central Indiana.
Vice President JD Vance initially visited Indianapolis to meet with Governor Mike Braun, Speaker Huston and President Pro Tempore Bray on August 7 to make the case for redistricting. Later that month on August 27, Indiana Republican State lawmakers were invited to the White House by Vice President Vance and Trump officials to discuss mid-cycle redistricting; 55 lawmakers attended. It was reported both Speaker Huston and Senator Bray met with President Trump in the Oval Office during the visit.
On October 10, Indiana leaders met with Vice President Vance for the third time as they worked to secure support for mid-cycle, partisan redistricting. Legislative leaders remained tightlipped post-visit about where they stood on the evolving issue. Later in the month on October 22, Molly Swigart, spokeswoman for the Indiana Senate Republican caucus, said in a statement, “the votes aren’t there for redistricting.”
Despite the Senate’s statement the week prior, on October 27, Governor Braun signed a proclamation calling a special legislative session for the General Assembly to convene on November 3 to consider altering the boundaries of Indiana’s congressional districts and to consider resolving an important issue regarding federal and state tax compliance that must be addressed. “I am calling a special legislative session to protect Hoosiers from efforts in other states that seek to diminish their voice in Washington and ensure their representation in Congress is fair. I am also asking the legislature to conform Indiana's tax code with new federal tax provisions to ensure stability and certainty for taxpayers and tax preparers for 2026 filings,” Gov. Braun said in his announcement.
On November 3, both Speaker Huston and Senator Bray put out similar statements about the legislative schedule to conduct the work Governor Braun called on the legislature to undertake in special session:
- Reconvening after Organization Day (November 18) means any legislative business conducted is part of the regular 2026 legislative session. This will avoid additional costs affiliated with a special session.
- The General Assembly will address any time sensitive issues during the first two weeks of December (December 1 through December 12).
- No other legislative action is planned for the rest of the month of December.
- The General Assembly plans to reconvene January 5, 2026 to resume legislative business.
On November 13, Indiana Senate Republicans announced that they were rejecting President Trump’s push for congressional redistricting — a move immediately blasted by Governor Braun and Trump allies. Senate President Pro Tempore Bray said in a statement that the Senate will not take up the issue, as was expected in an unusual December session. “Over the last several months, Senate Republicans have given very serious and thoughtful consideration to the concept of redrawing our state’s congressional maps,” Bray said in a statement. “Today, I’m announcing there are not enough votes to move that idea forward, and the Senate will not reconvene in December.”
Votes in the Senate and House taken on November 18 officially set January 5, 2026, as the date lawmakers will return to the Statehouse and start the new legislative session. Despite the House’s action, Speaker Huston reminded the chamber, “we are still under the timeline of the special session, and I have informed the House Republican Caucus that I would continue to keep the first two weeks of December clear on your calendar for potential business.”
The Senate’s adjournment resolution was approved by a 29-19 margin. All 10 Democratic senators supported the resolution, while Republican senators split 19-19 on whether to back Senate President Pro Tempore Bray’s decision against meeting in December, on the grounds of too little support for a congressional redistricting to pass the chamber.
Governor Braun responded on Organization Day that “it’s time now for our state senators to commit to showing up for work. Unfortunately, Sen. Rod Bray was forced to partner with DEMOCRATS to block an effort by the growing number of America First Senators who wanted to have a vote on passing fair maps. Now I am left with no choice other than to explore all options at my disposal to compel the State Senate to show up and vote,” Braun said in a statement. “I will support President Trump’s efforts to recruit, endorse, and finance primary challengers for Indiana’s senators who refuse to support fair maps.” The Governor’s Office gave no further details on what authority the Governor believes he can use to “compel” the Senate.
Senator Bray downplayed the dispute. “Senate Republicans may have a difference of opinion on a policy matter with the governor, and that happens from time to time, but we are committed to pursuing policies that will make life better for Hoosiers, and we will continue to look for ways to collaborate with the governor,” Bray said.