THE RAATZ ROUNDUP
Submitted for use on Dec. 2, 2025
Word Count: 364
The rules of engagement have changed on redistricting. Some states have gerrymandered so drastically that it has hampered our overall ability as a state to have appropriate influence in our U.S. Congress. There are 15 states that have a 30-40% Republican base and yet have zero seats in Congress. Realistically, 8-10 of these states should have a larger Republican representation but don’t due to gerrymandering at the state level producing a lopsided Democrat influence at the U.S. Congressional level.
In my opinion, this issue comes back to a statement John Adams made during the founding of our nation, “Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.” This could be interpreted as meaning a free society can only function if the people have self-discipline, virtue and moral character that comes from something that is concrete and transcends time.
By design, our constitution gave limited power to government with the intent that individual virtue would largely drive behavior. There are states that are inappropriately silencing that fair balance of voices heard in Congress and have been for some time.
How do we combat the issue of Indiana and other states whose voices have been diminished due to the behavior of others? The only way is to redistrict. We cannot sit idly by as other states silence our voices. If we don't redraw our maps, we will continue to be subject to minimal input in federal legislation that could change the very fabric of our nation.
I believe we must redraw our maps to save our voice and allow Indiana to continue fighting for conservative values at the federal level. Finally, I have heard from a portion of constituents on both sides of the issue, as I should.
It is for these reasons that I support the initiative for redistricting in Indiana.
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State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
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