NewsThe HillMay 6, 2026United States
Trump-backed challengers defeat most Indiana GOP senators who opposed redistricting
Most Indiana Republican state senators who opposed a mid-decade congressional redistricting push supported by Donald Trump have lost their primary elections to Trump-backed challengers. The results follow a 2025 legislative standoff where the state Senate rejected new congressional maps that had passed the state House.
Read the full story at The HillWhy It Matters
The primary results shift the composition of the Indiana state Senate, potentially altering the legislative body's stance on future efforts and reflecting the influence of national party leadership on local legislative decisions.
Key Facts
- Six incumbent Indiana GOP state senators who opposed the redistricting map are projected to lose their primary elections.
- Only one incumbent senator (Greg Goode) who faced a Trump-backed challenger is projected to win their primary.
- One primary race involving a Trump-backed challenger (Spencer Deery vs. Paula Copenhaver) remains uncalled.
- In December, 21 Indiana GOP senators voted to reject a new congressional map that had been passed by the state House.
- The rejected map was intended to create a 9-0 GOP-favored congressional delegation in Indiana.
- The primary elections served as a test of Donald Trump's influence over the Indiana Republican party following his push for mid-decade redistricting.
- During the election cycle, several Indiana Republicans who opposed or were uncertain about the redistricting map were victims of swatting incidents.
Who's Mentioned
personTravis Holdman“Incumbent state Senator (R) defeated in the 19th district.”personRodric Bray“Indiana Senate President Pro Tem.”personJames Buck“Incumbent state Senator (R) defeated in the 21st district.”organizationDecision Desk HQ“Election data provider.”personLinda Rogers“Incumbent state Senator (R) defeated in the 11th district.”personDan Dernulc“Incumbent state Senator (R) defeated.”other21“Number of GOP senators who rejected the redistricting map in December.”personRick Niemeyer“Incumbent state Senator (R) projected to lose in the 6th district.”personGreg Walker“Incumbent state Senator (R) defeated in the 41st district.”personDonald Trump“Former President who backed primary challengers against Indiana GOP senators.”date2026“Midterm election year.”personGreg Goode“Incumbent state Senator (R) who successfully fended off a challenger.”personSpencer Deery“Incumbent state Senator (R) in an uncalled race.”