Trump's Hollow Indiana Victory - WSJ Editorial

[question everything]

(snip)

Mr. Trump took a Truth Social victory lap, as news reports say $13.5 million was poured into these races, big money for state legislative campaigns. The MAGA machine went all-in, including the Club for Growth, Turning Point, the political shops of Gov. Mike Braun and Sen. Jim Banks, and Mr. Trump himself.

And for what? Indiana’s current U.S. House districts are split 7-2, giving 78% of the seats to the GOP. Mr. Trump carried only 59% of the state’s vote in 2024. The map proposed last year aimed to turn Indiana into a 9-0 state, but that wouldn’t reflect Indiana, and a gain of two seats might get swamped by a blue wave. The districts won’t change this year in any case.

When the state Senate rejected redistricting, 19-31, more Republicans voted against than in favor. “I was contacted by many, many, many constituents,” Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray later said. “I would say 10 were against it to every one that was for it.” He also raised doubts about trying to stretch the GOP’s finite voters to win all nine seats.

(snip)

Also on Tuesday, Michigan Republicans lost a chance to break Democratic control of their 19-18 state Senate, after a special election to fill a vacant seat swung to the left, continuing the trend this year across the U.S. Democrats are widening their margin in the national generic ballot. JD Vance was in Iowa this week, where the tariff damage to the farm economy could cost the GOP two House seats and maybe the governorship.

Mr. Trump’s approval rating is grim. But hey, he can still rule in Indiana primaries.

https://www.wsj.com/opinion/donald-trump-gop-indiana-senators-redistricting-c3649902?st=xQUtjb&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

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[spooky3]

1. Why is this point overlooked by the media:

Last edited Thu May 7, 2026, 12:29 AM - Edit history (1)

“He also raised doubts about trying to stretch the GOP’s finite voters to win all nine seats.”

These new districts are going to dilute GOP voters and if trends continue the very unpopular actions of this President are going to weaken Republican candidates.

Another point (overlooked in NPR reporting this am) is that of COURSE TSF-backed candidates would do well in IN GOP primaries. His base will come out. But the nomination of Trump suckers vs more moderate Repubs will likely make it easier for Dems to win the general. Michael Steele also pointed out that the voter turnout on the GOP side was awful.