Ft Wayne Times

Rep. Marlin Stutzman, a U.S. Congressman from Indiana, posted a series of tweets on September 18 and 19, 2025, addressing issues related to congressional representation, redistricting, and government funding.

On September 18, Stutzman criticized the impact of census counting practices and gerrymandering on states like Indiana. He wrote, "Hoosiers were taken advantage of for playing fair. States like Illinois count illegal aliens in their census, inflating population counts. Democratic gerrymandering further skews representation, making it so Conservative States don’t get a fair say in Congress."

Later that day, he commented on Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg's visit to Indiana: "I see @PeteButtigieg made his yearly Indiana trip to lecture Hoosiers on the 'evils' of redistricting. Hope the next stops on his already failed presidential campaign tour include California, Illinois, and other Democrat controlled states that have had unfair maps for decades!" Buttigieg previously served as mayor of South Bend, Indiana.

On September 19, Stutzman addressed ongoing budget negotiations in Congress: "Keeping the government open will: Allow for the continuation of Trump’s agenda being passed through Congress. Take a major steps towards restoring regular order in the appropriations process. Keep our country safe and our border secure. I will be voting YES on today’s CR!" A continuing resolution (CR) is often used by Congress to fund federal agencies temporarily while longer-term appropriations are negotiated.

Redistricting and census practices have been recurring topics in U.S. politics. The inclusion of non-citizens in population counts has been debated at both state and federal levels as it can affect congressional apportionment and federal funding distribution. Gerrymandering—the manipulation of electoral district boundaries—has faced criticism from both major parties when perceived as favoring one side over another.