INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Senate President pro tempore Rod Bray on Friday announced he will not seek reelection to his leadership post when lawmakers reassemble in November. Bray’s decision follows a tumultuous few months for Republicans in the Indiana Senate. Following the defeat in December of an effort to redraw the state’s Congressional districts ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, six Trump-backed candidates defeated incumbents who voted against the new maps. Gov. Mike Braun had harshly criticized Bray’s opposition to the new maps and, following the primary results, suggested Senate Republicans should consider whether to choose new leadership. The Senate president pro tempore sets legislative priorities, appoints committee chairs and assigns all bills filed each session to committee. The person holding that job casts floor votes but does not typically take part in floor debates or committee hearings. Bray has held the post since 2018. Bray said he will continue to serve in his role representing the Martinsville area. His term runs through 2028. “Serving as the President Pro Tem of the Senate for eight years has been among the most significant honors of my life, but it’s time for the Senate to choose another leader. Our caucus has led the way in numerous policy areas, passing laws that resulted in more than 20 tax cuts, initiatives to lower the cost of health care, laws that resulted in a sharp increase in literacy rates in our schools, and measures that ushered in record capital investment through 2024. That’s a track record I will always stand behind, and I’m incredibly proud to have accomplished this work as the Pro Tem alongside my distinguished colleagues.”Sen. Rod Bray(R) Martinsville ...read more read less