(This article has been updated with new information.)
State Senator Kyle Walker, R-Lawrence, who has come out in opposition to redrawing Indiana’s congressional map mid-decade, will not seek reelection next year, he announced Dec. 3.
Walker currently represents District 31, which includes portions of Marion and Hamilton counties, and won his most recent election in 2022 with 55% of the vote. Walker is one of about a dozen senate Republicans who have publicly opposed the redistricting efforts that President Donald Trump has promoted.
In a news release announcing his intentions, Walker did not mention redistricting. In a statement to IndyStar, Walker said he wrestled with the decision to run for reelection or not for months, long before redistricting talk started.
“Redistricting and the threats we received have complicated the timing and appearance of my decision, to be sure,” Walker said in a statement to IndyStar. “But they actually made it harder to step away from public service or any potential electoral challenge.”
In addition to his decision not to run for reelection, Walker has resigned from the political consulting firm MO Strategies. The firm is led by Marty Obst, who also is leading Fair Maps Indiana, a group championing redistricting plans. Walker told IndyStar he remains friends with Obst and is assisting with the transition away from MO Strategies.
“Over the past six years, I have championed several pieces of legislation to support my constituents and all Hoosiers, bolster the communities in my district, and strengthen the state in a variety of ways,” Walker said in the news release announcing his plans not to seek reelection.
Walker cited a series of successes during his time in office, including legislation that helped Fishers receive a more equitable share of local income tax revenue, work on creating the Indiana Guns Task Force, a bill that supported Indiana’s foster youth and his efforts in legalizing happy hour in the state.
“I remain fully committed to serving with the same focus and energy for the remainder of my term, and to ensuring a smooth transition for the district’s future leadership,” Walker said in the news release. “But I also want to make this announcement now, in advance of the February filing deadline, so that potential candidates have some time to consider their interest and ability to serve this district.”
Republican Senators Eric Bassler, of Washington, and Greg Walker, of Columbus, have also announced their opposition to redistricting and have announced they won’t seek reelection in 2026.
Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @Jake_Allen19.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: This Indiana senator who opposes redistricting won’t seek reelection
Reporting by Jake Allen, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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