NewsReutersMay 5, 2026United States
Trump-backed challengers target Indiana state senators over redistricting dispute
Seven incumbent Indiana Republican state senators are facing primary election challenges from candidates endorsed by Donald Trump. The challengers are running in response to the incumbents' previous opposition to a congressional redistricting map supported by the former president.
Read the full story at ReutersWhy It Matters
The outcome of these primary elections will determine the political composition of the Indiana State Senate and test the influence of Donald Trump's endorsements on local legislative races.
Key Facts
- Seven incumbent Indiana Republican state senators are facing primary challengers endorsed by Donald Trump.
- The primary challenges stem from the incumbents' previous vote against a congressional redistricting map supported by Donald Trump.
- Approximately $12 million has been spent on advertising across the seven contested races.
- The race for Spencer Deery's seat is the most expensive, with over $3 million in ad spending.
- State Senator Greg Walker is facing primary challenger Michelle Davis, with over $1.3 million spent by outside groups in support of Davis.
- State Senator Jim Buck is supported by former Vice President Mike Pence, while his challenger Tracey Powell is supported by Donald Trump.
- State Senator Rick Niemeyer is facing a primary challenger, but Donald Trump did not endorse the challenger.
- Former state representative Jeff Ellington is running for the seat of retiring state senator Eric Bassler with Donald Trump's endorsement.
Who's Mentioned
personTracey Powell“Tipton County Commissioner and primary challenger to Jim Buck.”personTrevor De Vries“Primary challenger to Dan Dernulc.”personTravis Holdman“Incumbent state senator facing a primary challenge.”personPaula Copenhaver“Primary challenger to Spencer Deery.”personMicah Beckwith“Indiana Lieutenant Governor.”personBlake Fiechter“Primary challenger to Travis Holdman.”personLinda Rogers“Incumbent state senator facing a primary challenge.”personJeff Ellington“Former state representative running for Eric Bassler's seat.”organizationAdImpact“Ad-tracking firm reporting campaign spending.”personDan Dernulc“Incumbent state senator facing a primary challenge.”personRick Niemeyer“Incumbent state senator facing a primary challenge without Trump endorsement.”personAlexandra Wilson“Primary challenger to Greg Goode.”personGreg Walker“Incumbent state senator facing a primary challenge.”personNader Liddawi“Primary challenger to Dan Dernulc.”personEric Bassler“Retiring state senator.”personDonald Trump“Former President endorsing primary challengers against Indiana state senators.”personMichelle Davis“State Representative and primary challenger to Greg Walker.”personBrenda Wilson“Vigo County Council member and primary challenger to Greg Goode.”personJim Buck“Incumbent state senator facing a primary challenge.”personBrian Schmutzler“Primary challenger to Linda Rogers.”personGreg Goode“Incumbent state senator facing a primary challenge.”personSpencer Deery“Incumbent state senator facing a primary challenge.”personMike Pence“Former Vice President backing Jim Buck.”