U.S. President Donald Trump is backing primary challengers against seven Republican Indiana state senators who opposed his congressional redistricting, which aims to help Republicans win more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The targeted lawmakers represent heavily Republican districts that Trump won comfortably in 2024. The races are being watched closely as a measure of Trump’s continued influence on the GOP ahead of the 2026 election.
Trump-aligned groups have poured millions of dollars into ad campaigns, turning normally low-key state legislative races into nationally watched contests.
Indiana’s key Senate districts include the 1st, 11th, 19th, 21st, 23rd, 38th, and 41st.
Indiana primaries
The results could send a strong message to Republican lawmakers across the country about the political risks of resisting Trump.
A victory by Trump-backed challengers would strengthen the president’s ability to shape the party and punish opponents. But the losses could signal a weakening of influence, as some Republicans worry about the party’s standing ahead of the midterms.
The contests are also seen as an early indicator of voter enthusiasm within the Republican base.
Ohio Senate race
In neighboring Ohio, voters are deciding key nominations for the main US Senate race.
Democrats are backing former Sen. Sherrod Brown in hopes of regaining some ground in a state that has shifted increasingly conservative in recent years.
Brown is expected to face Republican Sen. Jon Husted, who was appointed after JD Vance became vice president.
The election will determine who will serve the remaining two years of Vance’s Senate term.
Governor’s race
Ohio’s Republican primary for governor features businessman and former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, who has used his national profile and ties to Trump to dominate fundraising.
His opponent, engineer and vehicle designer Casey Putsch, has tried to gain attention through online criticism of Republican leadership on issues including energy policy, Israel and the Epstein writings.
Former Ohio Public Health Director Amy Acton is running unopposed on the Democratic side.
Michigan special election
A special election in Michigan for a vacant Senate seat could affect control of the chamber.
A Democratic victory would strengthen the party’s majority, while a Republican victory would create a 19-19 split.
The district is highly competitive. Kamala Harris narrowly edged her out by less than one percentage point in the 2024 presidential election.
The seat became vacant after Democrat Kristen McDonald Rivet resigned to join Congress.
