A Republican state senator in Indiana has taken a firm stand against his own party's redistricting plans, citing Donald Trump's recent use of an ableist slur as the catalyst for his opposition.
A Personal Stance Against Offensive Language
Michael Bohacek, a member of the Indiana State Senate, publicly declared on Friday that he will vote against efforts to redraw the state's congressional map. His decision comes directly after the former president insulted Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz by using a derogatory term for people with intellectual disabilities.
In a Facebook post, Bohacek, who has a daughter with Down syndrome, stated he has been "an unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities" since her birth. He directly addressed Trump's comments, writing, "His choices of words have consequences."
Defying Direct Pressure from Trump
The senator's defiance is significant given the intense pressure applied by Trump and his allies on Indiana Republicans. In mid-November, Trump called for primary challenges against any state senator who "votes against this important redistricting." He urged them to "DO THEIR JOB, AND DO IT NOW!" in a post on his Truth Social platform.
The proposed redistricting is a partisan manoeuvre aimed at securing more US House seats for Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Indiana legislators are scheduled to consider the measure later in December, although senate leaders have already cautioned that support for the plan is lacking.
Broader Political Repercussions
Bohacek's pledge to vote 'no' was made in response to a separate Truth Social post from Trump. In it, following a shooting involving National Guard members in Washington DC, Trump said he would pause immigration from "third world countries," disparaged Minnesota's Somali community, and labelled Governor Walz as "seriously retarded."
While many on social media thanked Bohacek for his stance, some critics noted his opposition seemed tied to a personal connection. "You should care about people even when it hasn't affected you and your immediate family," read one reply, which also thanked him for his current position.
This conflict in Indiana mirrors national battles over gerrymandering. In August, Texas approved new maps to help Republicans gain seats, while California responded in November with a measure designed to aid Democrats. Bohacek, who has served since November 2016, represents a rare Republican break from Trump's influence, underscoring how deeply offensive language can alter political alliances.
