(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana State Senator Liz Brown of Fort Wayne has resigned from her leadership role in the Senate Republican Caucus.
Brown announced she is stepping down as Assistant Majority Floor Leader, effective immediately -- just one day after a controversial redistricting bill failed in the Indiana Senate. The proposal aimed to redraw congressional maps in a way that could have given Republicans a nine-to-zero advantage in U.S. House races.
The bill was voted down 31 to 19, exposing sharp divisions within the Republican caucus. Brown supported the measure and voted in favor of it.
While she is leaving Senate leadership, Brown will continue serving as chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
In a statement, Brown said supporters of the redistricting effort were deeply disappointed by the vote and acknowledged a breakdown in communication within the caucus. She says her focus now will be on rebuilding trust with voters outside of leadership.
The failed bill also drew attention from national Republicans, including criticism of Indiana Senate leadership following the vote.