Trump’s Endorsements Are Put to the Test in Indiana, Offers a Second Shot at Redistricting

A number of Indiana state senators who voted against President Donald Trump’s redistricting effort last December are in jeopardy of being beaten in primaries Tuesday night by Trump-endorsed candidates.

Trump endorsed primary challengers against seven of the candidates who voted against his all-red congressional map. “Anybody that votes against redistricting, and the SUCCESS of the Republican Party in D.C., will be, I am sure, met with a MAGA primary in the Spring,” Trump warned before the election on Truth Social. He kept his word.

The final tally was 19-31. Republicans had a 40-10 advantage in the Senate, but in the end, 21 Republicans joined the 10 Democrats in voting “no.”

Indiana Republicans still hold a supermajority in the U.S. Congress at 7-2 and in the state Senate at 40-10. However, Trump kept his word and primaried seven of the 21 who voted against his efforts.

“President Trump endorsed Indiana state Senate candidates who were in favor of redistricting and myself to continue serving Hoosiers,” Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Ind., told The Daily Signal.

Stutzman, like all Indiana U.S. House members, is also up for reelection but is in a seat considered safe. Republican Reps. Jim Baird, Victoria Spartz, Jefferson Shreve, Mark Messmer, and Rudy Yakym, along with Erin Houchin, who is running uncontested, are all expected to win their primaries.

Indiana’s Second Shot

Even though the Republican redistricting fight began in Indiana, Stutzman told The Daily Signal it is not over.

“After winning our state by nearly 20 points in 2024, it is clear [Trump] has Hoosiers’ ears. I am looking forward to continuing serving IN-03 and our state potentially having another shot at redrawing our maps.”

Trump took to Truth Social Tuesday afternoon, urging the Hoosier State to get to the polls. “Good luck to those Great Indiana Senate Candidates who are running against people who couldn’t care less about our Country, or about keeping the Majority in Congress.”

“There are eight Great Patriots running against long-seated RINOs—Let’s see how those RINOs do tonight!”

Trump additionally shared a social media post listing all the candidates he endorsed.