An Indiana Republican lawmaker is opposing his party’s efforts to redraw the state’s congressional map after Donald Trump used an ableist slur to describe a political opponent. State Senator Michael Bohacek, whose daughter has Down syndrome, has vowed to vote against the measure.
In a Facebook post, Bohacek, a self-described “unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities,” condemned Trump’s actions. The former president had referred to Minnesota’s Democratic Governor, Tim Walz, as “seriously retarded” in a post on Truth Social. “His choices of words have consequences,” Bohacek wrote. “I will be voting NO on redistricting, perhaps he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority.”
Bohacek’s defiance comes amid intense pressure from Trump’s camp on Indiana Republicans to redraw congressional districts. The proposed changes are intended to create more GOP-held seats in the U.S. House ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Indiana legislators are set to consider the partisan redistricting measure later this month, though State Senate leaders have indicated there may not be enough support for it to pass.
Trump has publicly threatened primary challenges against any Indiana Republican state senator who votes against the plan, stating in a Truth Social post, “If not, let’s get them out of office.”
Since Trump’s call to action, the political climate in the state has grown volatile. At least nine Republican officials have been targeted by “swatting” attacks, where false emergency calls are made to dispatch heavily armed police to their homes. State Senator Jean Leising, another Republican opponent of the redistricting, reported receiving a pipe bomb threat. “This is a result of the DC political pundits for redistricting,” she wrote on X.
Indiana’s governor, Mike Braun, who supports the redistricting, confirmed that he and his family have also received threats. “Enough is enough,” he posted on X. “These threats to lawmakers… need to stop.”
While many social media users praised Bohacek for his stance, some criticized him for only opposing Trump after a personal insult. “You should care about people even when it hasn’t affected you and your immediate family,” one commenter wrote. “I’m glad at least you do understand it now.”
The battle in Indiana is part of a larger national struggle over partisan gerrymandering. Recently, Texas approved new congressional maps designed to give Republicans up to five additional seats, while a measure passed in California aims to provide Democrats with a similar advantage.
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