Vice President J.D. Vance meets with Braun, Indiana officials in closed-door meeting

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Gov. Mike Braun met with Vice President J.D. Vance on Thursday for a conversation that Braun tells FOX59/CBS4 covered "a wide array of topics" during a closed-door meeting.




According to previous reports, Vance was scheduled to be in Indianapolis on Thursday to meet with Indiana leaders. This comes as there have been discussions throughout the country surrounding redistricting efforts ahead of the 2026 midterms.




In a post on social media, Braun said that it was great to meet with Vance on Thursday, stating that they "discussed a number of issues" and he was "pleased to highlight some of the great things happening in Indiana."




When asked in person about how the meeting went, Braun said it was "pretty good" and that state officials "listened." When asked about whether or not the topic of redistricting came up, Braun said "yes."

Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican from Fishers, said in person that he had no comment regarding Thursday's meeting with Vance and Braun. However, later, Huston provided a statement to FOX59/CBS4 surrounding the meeting, stating:




"I appreciate the opportunity to meet with Vice President Vance today and share many of the successes we're experiencing in Indiana. We've been proud to work alongside the Trump Administration on several issues to strengthen our state and nation. We had a meaningful discussion, heard the vice president's perspective on a number of topics, and will continue conversations as we work to advance Indiana and deliver results for Hoosiers."




Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, a Republican from Martinsville, provided a statement to FOX59/CBS4 after Thursday's meeting, stating:




"It was an honor to have Vice President Vance at the Statehouse today. We had a productive meeting and discussed several topics that are important to Indiana. I appreciated the opportunity to hear from the Vice President on a variety of issues, which we will continue to talk through in the days ahead."




This comes after Texas Democrats stalled a vote regarding a redrawn congressional map earlier this month. According to Associated Press reports, the goal of the White House is to give Republicans an easier path to maintaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.




Currently, Indiana has two Democratic seats, including U.S. Rep. André Carson, D-Ind. District 7 and U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Ind. District 1. On social media, Carson said that redistricting attempts in the state of Indiana are "unethical."




Carson spoke on Thursday about the meeting, stating that he "won't accept our democracy turning into a dictatorship."




"Attempts to silence our vote exist right now," Carson said. "We want our Republican friends to do the right thing."

During Thursday's meeting, dozens of people gathered in the statehouse to protest Vance's visit. This comes after Karen Tallian, the chair of the Indiana Democratic Party, voiced her opinion surrounding redistricting efforts in the state.








"Indiana Republicans are so afraid of the voters that they are willing to rig the elections to drown Hoosiers' voices," Tallian said. "Indiana is already one of the most voter-suppressed states in the nation. Sending the Vice President here to beg for another Congressional seat is beyond absurd. Hoosiers need to stand up against this blatant undermining of democracy."




During the protest, several lawmakers spoke, including Indiana State Senator Fady Qaddoura, a Democrat from Indianapolis, who said he would reintroduce legislation to end gerrymandering in the state of Indiana.




Indiana State Representative Ed Delaney, a Democrat from Indianapolis, also joined the protest, telling attendees that the meeting is a "pure power play."




"The main purpose of this power play is to put Trump in office one more time," Delaney said.




Mrvan also spoke during the protest, stating that state leaders are "afraid of checks and balances (and)... afraid to face the voters."

According to previous reports, Braun would have to call a special session if the state wants to begin the redistricting process. Vance is expected to attend a Republican fundraiser in downtown Indianapolis Thursday evening.





via: https://fox59.com/indianapolitics/vice-president-j-d-vance-meets-with-braun-indiana-officials-in-closed-door-meeting/