Trump Voting Out Another RINO
President Donald Trump made headlines Monday after officially endorsing Indiana Republican state Senate candidate Tracey Powell, following through on his pledge to support primary challengers against GOP lawmakers who opposed last year’s redistricting effort.
The endorsement comes as Powell seeks to replace longtime State Sen. Jim Buck, who has represented Indiana’s 21st Senate District since 2008. Buck was among a group of Republican senators who joined Democrats in voting down a new Republican-backed congressional map earlier this year.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump praised Powell as a strong supporter of the America First agenda while sharply criticizing Buck’s decision to oppose the redistricting proposal. Trump argued that the vote weakened Republican efforts nationwide and could have long-term consequences heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
According to the president, Indiana was the only state to reject a redistricting plan that could have strengthened Republican representation in Congress. Trump said the decision created unnecessary risk for the party at a time when maintaining a majority in the U.S. House remains a top priority for conservative voters.
Powell responded to the endorsement by expressing gratitude for the president’s support. In a public statement, he said he was honored to receive Trump’s backing and pledged to continue advancing policies aligned with America First principles, including border security, economic growth, and defending constitutional freedoms.
The Republican candidate emphasized his commitment to working families, farmers, and small business owners across Indiana’s 21st District, saying those priorities would guide his work in the state legislature.
The redistricting proposal ultimately failed in the Indiana Senate by a 31–19 vote. Buck and 20 other Republicans joined all Democratic senators in opposing the measure, despite support from Republican leadership and encouragement from President Trump. If approved, the map could have expanded Indiana’s Republican advantage in the U.S. House delegation from 7–2 to 9–0.
Ahead of the vote, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith warned that rejecting the map could complicate federal cooperation, citing concerns raised by the Trump administration. Following the vote, President Trump reiterated his intention to support primary challenges against Republicans who opposed the plan.
Governor Mike Braun had previously signaled his willingness to work with the White House to advance the redistricting effort.
Powell, who has served as a Tipton County commissioner since 2020, brings a background as a chiropractor, farmer, and small business owner. He also serves as vice president of the North Central Indiana Regional Planning Council.
In his endorsement message, President Trump outlined Powell’s policy priorities, including protecting Hoosier values, cutting taxes and regulations, supporting American manufacturing, strengthening agriculture, expanding domestic energy production, securing the border, supporting law enforcement and veterans, promoting election integrity, and defending Second Amendment rights.
With the endorsement, Trump made clear that party unity around key legislative priorities will play a central role as Republicans prepare for the upcoming election cycle.
