Mayor Melton Rallies Senate to Reject National Pressure and Protect Northwest Indiana’s Voice from Mid-Cycle Redistricting

Gary, IN — December 2025—Mayor Eddie Melton of Gary, Indiana, as a former State Senator, I decided to make a personal and direct appeal to my former colleagues to stop the mid-cycle redistricting that threatens Gary, Northwest Indiana, and Indianapolis’ representation in Congress.

This proposed map is not a reflection of Hoosiers' needs, but the evident result of national political pressure and intimidation tactics from Washington, D.C. It is telling that even principled leaders across the aisle, including former Governor Mitch Daniels, have publicly opposed this measure. Gary is in the midst of a historic economic comeback, having secured billions in investment and launched aggressive blight elimination efforts; we cannot allow this momentum to be derailed by a map drawn to satisfy external political agendas rather than local interest.

Furthermore, this proposal is not merely a partisan maneuver; it is a critical civil rights issue that threatens to disenfranchise Black and Brown voters in our region. By dismantling a district that serves as the home of the late congresswoman Katie Hall – the author of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday legislation –  we risk dishonoring a profound legacy of African American political history. This map is a modern form of voter suppression designed to dilute the voice of the region that has fought tirelessly for equality. We must protect our legacy of representation and ensure that the distinct voice of Northwest Indiana is not silenced by a process that ignores the will of the people.

"Gary is finally rising. After decades of struggle, we are turning the corner with nearly 2,000 new jobs and billions in investment, and we cannot afford to have our momentum halted by a map designed to dilute our voice. It pains me to see my former colleagues endure this level of threats and intimidation. We need to stand strong in Indiana—not for a political party, but for families, for fairness, for equal representation, and for the integrity of our democracy," stated Mayor Eddie Melton.

Mayor Melton highlighted the national trend of aggressive redistricting, noting similar moves in states like Texas and reactions by California. However, he challenges the General Assembly to resist following that path, urging them to prioritize state integrity over national party directives. We must protect the voice of every voter, regardless of race or zip code.