Primary elections in Ohio, Indiana offer latest temperature check on Trump popularity
Primary elections in Ohio and Indiana are serving as a key indicator of former President Trump's influence within the Republican Party, particularly in state-level races. In Indiana, Trump is backing primary challenges against Republican state senators who opposed gerrymandering efforts, testing his power of political retribution. Meanwhile, Ohio's redistricting changes and competitive races for governor and U.S. Senate highlight the broader political shifts ahead of the 2026 midterms.
- ▪President Trump's political operation is targeting seven Indiana Republican state senators who opposed redistricting efforts to favor Republicans.
- ▪In Ohio, new congressional maps were required after courts rejected previous versions, leading to minor boundary changes that do not uniformly benefit Republicans.
- ▪A recent Supreme Court decision weakening Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act may enable Republican-led states to eliminate majority-minority districts.
- ▪Indiana Republican Rep. Jim Baird faces a well-funded primary challenger despite having Trump's endorsement.
- ▪Ohio's House delegation currently consists of 10 Republicans and 5 Democrats, with redistricting potentially preserving that balance in a Democratic-favorable midterm environment.
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Elections Primary elections in Ohio, Indiana offer latest temperature check on Trump popularity May 5, 20265:00 AM ET Stephen Fowler Voter parking only signs are seen ahead of a rally for Ohio Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dr. Amy Acton, at the Early Vote Center on April 28 in Cincinnati. Jon Cherry/Getty Images hide caption toggle caption Jon Cherry/Getty Images Two very different decisions Republicans made about gerrymandering will be on display in Tuesday's primary contests in Indiana and Ohio. After an effort to redraw maps in Indiana failed last year, President Trump and his political operation now seek to oust incumbent Republican state senators who helped defeat the plan.
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