The Indiana General Assembly is still working out the schedule for the special session that Gov. Mike Braun called to begin on Nov. 3, but they know one thing: Lawmakers will not be convening at the Statehouse on Nov. 3.
Braun called the special session to heed President Donald Trump’s call to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps mid-decade to design more districts favorable to Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Republicans already hold seven of Indiana’s nine seats, but there’s pressure from the White House to draw a map that would more likely yield nine Republican seats and zero Democratic seats on Nov. 3, 2026.
More: Gov. Mike Braun calls special session to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps
The start date declared by Braun this week kicks off a 40-calendar-day clock within which the legislature must meet, according to Indiana law. Once lawmakers convene, the special session cannot last more than 30 working days.
During the last special session in 2022, where lawmakers passed Indiana’s abortion ban, former Gov. Eric Holcomb called for the session to begin on July 6, but lawmakers didn’t convene until July 25.
House Speaker Todd Huston in a statement Oct. 29 said the House is talking with the Senate about logistics and the availability of its members.
“As always, our goal is to accomplish our work in a way that is most efficient and cost effective for Hoosier taxpayers,” he said. “Our plan is to have a legislative schedule out as soon as possible.”
Molly Swigart, communications director for Senate Republicans, shared a similar message.
“In all likelihood, the Senate will not be ready to convene the week of Nov. 3,” she said.
It’s likely lawmakers will end up abutting their regular session, which officially begins Nov. 18. Indiana law dictates they must gavel in that day for procedural and organizational duties, then adjourn until no later than the fourth Monday in January.
Contact IndyStar Statehouse reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on X @kayla_dwyer17.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana lawmakers won’t convene Nov. 3 for redistricting special session
