Republican Defection Over Trump's 'Derogatory' Language
A Republican state senator in Indiana has publicly declared his opposition to President Donald Trump's campaign for redistricting, following the president's use of a slur against people with disabilities. State Senator Mike Bohacek announced his stance after Trump insulted Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during a Thanksgiving tirade, calling him "seriously r*****ed."
A Personal Stance for a Father
Bohacek's opposition is deeply personal. He revealed that his decision is rooted in his experience as a father to a daughter with Down Syndrome. "I have been an unapologetic advocate for people with intellectual disabilities since the birth of my second daughter," Bohacek stated. He emphasised that the president's choice of words has direct consequences, noting this was not the first instance of Trump using such derogatory language.
The senator directly challenged the president, stating that Trump must prove himself worthy of a congressional majority. "I will be voting NO on redistricting," Bohacek declared. "Perhaps he can use the next 10 months to convince voters that his policies and behavior deserve a congressional majority." This move deals a significant blow to the redistricting initiative in Indiana, where Republicans currently lack the necessary votes.
Broader Political Repercussions
Trump and his allies have aggressively pushed for states with Republican control to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, hoping to secure more seats. While states like Texas and Missouri have proceeded with redrawing maps, the effort has faced legal challenges. A lower court judge ruled against the Texas effort, though the Supreme Court temporarily blocked that order.
However, the strategy has also backfired in other parts of the country. California, which employs a nonpartisan redistricting process, saw voters overwhelmingly pass Proposition 50. This move, championed by Governor Gavin Newsom to "meet fire with fire," could grant the state an additional five Democratic seats. In response, the US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit against California following the proposition's passage.
This incident is not isolated in Trump's political history. He famously mocked Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Serge Kovaleski, who has a physical disability, back in 2015, and frequently uses ableist language such as "low I.Q." to describe rivals. Bohacek's defection signals that such rhetoric may now be costing the president crucial political support where it matters most.
