Experts Miss Trump’s Enduring Presence in American Politics in Indiana Races
16th May 2026
uesday evening’s primary race here in the Hoosier State once again proved that the press, both local and national, still does not understand the impact that President Donald Trump has on the electorate. Nor do they understand his enduring appeal, as Indiana Republican voters unequivocally sided with the challengers over those who voted down congressional redistricting last year.
So far, the results from Tuesday’s primaries saw incumbent Republican state Sens. Travis Holdman of Markle, Jim Buck of Kokomo, Linda Rogers of Granger, Dan Dernulc of Highland, and Greg Walker all go down, and go down big. According to early Associated Press tallies, their challengers received a whopping 60% of the vote.
Incumbent state Sen. Spencer Deery of West Lafayette was in the lead by a mere three votes after voting concluded, leaving the race too close to call.
West Lafayette is the home of Purdue University and, like all college towns, is heavily Democrat.