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President Donald Trump on Tuesday announced a new round of endorsements in Indiana state legislative races, supporting several Republican primary candidates ahead of the state’s May 5 election.
In posts on Truth Social, the president backed multiple candidates challenging incumbent GOP lawmakers, including Republican Trevor De Vries in Indiana’s 1st Senate District against state Sen. Dan Dernulc, and Republican Brian Schmutzler in the 11th Senate District against state Sen. Linda Rogers.
Both incumbents previously voted against a Trump-backed redistricting effort in the state.
“Dr. Brian Schmutzler has my Complete and Total Endorsement to be the next State Senator from Indiana’s 11th Senate District,” he wrote in one Truth Social post. “Unlike incumbent Linda Rogers, a ‘RINO’ LOSER who has failed the wonderful people of Indiana so badly, DR. BRIAN SCHMUTZLER IS A WINNER WHO WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
The endorsements reveal the ongoing controversy within the Republican Party over redistricting. A majority of GOP state senators opposed a proposed congressional map in December that would have created a 9-0 Republican advantage in Indiana’s U.S. House delegation. Republicans currently hold a 7-2 majority.
President Trump warned that he would support primary challengers against Republicans who opposed the redistricting plan, part of a broader push to reshape congressional maps ahead of the November midterm elections.
Democrats have responded with redistricting efforts of their own, including a newly approved map in California expected to favor their party, while lawmakers in Virginia are considering similar changes.
In addition to the Senate races, President Trump endorsed several Republican state House members seeking reelection, including Reps. Martin Carbaugh, Ben Smaltz, Tony Isa, Bob Heaton, Bruce Borders, Beau Baird, Heath VanNatter, Jeff Thompson, Craig Snow and Jim Pressel.
The endorsements come as Indiana Republicans prepare for a competitive primary season that could reshape the party’s legislative lineup in the state on May 5.
