Indiana Republicans have defied intense pressure from President Donald Trump by rejecting his demands that they pass a voting map meant to favour their party in next year's midterm elections.
In one of the most conservative states in the US, 21 Republicans in the Senate joined all 10 Democrats to torpedo the redistricting plan by a vote of 31-19. The new map passed the House last week.
If it had cleared the legislature, Republicans could have flipped the only two Democratic-held congressional seats in the state.
Trump's call for Republican state leaders to redraw maps and help the party keep its congressional majority in Washington next year has triggered gerrymandering battles nationwide.
Republican-led Texas and Democratic-led California, two of the country's largest states, have led the charge.
Other states where redistricting efforts have been initiated or passed include Utah, Ohio, New Hampshire, Missouri, and Illinois.
Republican state Senator Spencer Deery said ahead of Thursday's vote: My opposition to mid-cycle gerrymandering is not in contrast to my conservative principles, my opposition is driven by them.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun, a Republican, expressed disappointment in the outcome. I will be working with the President to challenge these people who do not represent the best interests of Hoosiers, he stated.
The revolt by Indiana Republicans came after months of lobbying from the White House, including warnings from Trump that those who did not support the initiative risked losing their seats. This pushback was seen as a significant and unexpected moment for the state's politics.
The rejection of the map, which could have significantly altered the political landscape, has been hailed by some as a victory for fair representation, as it potentially protected the interests of a diverse constituency.
