Trump Seeks Revenge in Indiana State Senate Elections

President Trump is seeking total revenge in Indiana tonight, targeting seven state Senate Republicans who voted against his preferred congressional map. The president has endorsed primary challengers against these senators, and pro-redistricting forces have spent over $6 million on ads against them.

The seven targeted incumbents are:

• Sen. Jim Buck in the 21st District
• Sen. Spencer Deery in the 23rd District
• Sen. Greg Walker in the 41st District
• Sen. Travis Holdman in the 19th District
• Sen. Greg Goode in the 38th District
• Two other senators who face multiple opponents

Groups associated with Republican Sen. Jim Banks, such as Hoosier Leadership for America and American Leadership PAC, are leading the anti-incumbent charge. Other national groups, like Turning Point Action and the Club for Growth-affiliated Win It Back PAC, have also been involved in the campaign against the targeted incumbents.

However, it’s unclear if this retribution campaign will pay major dividends. The incumbents have significantly outraised their challengers and have received support from the Senate Majority Campaign Committee. Additionally, reporting by Politico suggests that challengers are struggling to articulate why voters should remove their incumbents, with most attacks having little to do with redistricting.

The five head-to-head matchups include Sens. Buck, Deery, Walker, Holdman, and one other senator. The other two incumbents face multiple opponents, creating an interesting situation in the 38th District where Sen. Goode faces Trump-endorsed Vigo County Council member Brenda Wilson and a third candidate, Alexandra Wilson.

Hoosier Leadership for America has run ads against “Greg and Alexandra” aiming to get voters to support “Trump-endorsed Brenda instead.” The outcome of these primaries is difficult to predict, but one thing is certain – President Trump is seeking total revenge against the seven state Senate Republicans who voted against his preferred congressional map.

Key Players:

• President Trump
• Sen. Jim Banks
• Andrew Surabian, a longtime member of Trump’s political circle
• Gov. Mike Braun

Key Groups:

• Hoosier Leadership for America
• American Leadership PAC
• Turning Point Action
• Club for Growth-affiliated Win It Back PAC
• Senate Majority Campaign Committee