2026 Indiana Senate election
November 5, 2024
| |||||||||||||||||||
25 of the 50 seats in the Indiana Senate 26 seats needed for a majority | |||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| |||||||||||||||||||
Map of incumbents: Republican incumbent running Democratic incumbent running No election | |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| Elections in Indiana |
|---|
The 2026 Indiana Senate election will be held on November 3, 2026, in the U.S. state of Indiana, coinciding with other elections in the state, including for U.S. House, Indiana Secretary of State, Indiana Treasurer, Indiana State Auditor, and Indiana House, as well as various other local elections. Voters will elect members in 25 of the 50 seats in the Indiana Senate to serve four-year terms in single-member constituencies. The primary elections will take place on May 5.[1]
Primary election
Failed congressional redistricting
In late 2025, as a part of the broader 2025 United States redistricting, Republican President Donald Trump urged the state of Indiana to redraw its congressional districts to oust two incumbent Democratic congressmen from the state. The proposal ran into unexpectedly-strong opposition in the Republican-supermajority Senate, with over a dozen Republican Senators voicing opposition to the move ahead of the vote. In an attempt to pressure holdouts to vote in favor of redrawing the map, Trump vowed to back primary challengers to all Republicans who vote against it.[2] Independent of these actions, a number of Senators were targets of threats of violence against them ahead of the vote, including bomb threats and swatting calls.[3] Ultimately, the Senate on December 11, 2025 voted 31–19 against redrawing the congressional maps, with 21 Republicans joining all 10 Democrats in opposition.[4]
Campaign
Following the vote, Republican governor Mike Braun vowed to assist Trump in primarying the Republican Senators who voted against redistricting.[5]
Overview
| 2026 Indiana State Senate General Election | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Votes | Percentage | % change | Seats Before |
Seats Up |
Candidates | Seats Won |
Seats After |
+/– | |
| Republican | 40 | 22 | ||||||||
| Democratic | 10 | 3 | ||||||||
| Totals | — | 50 | 25 | 50 | — | |||||
District index
|
District 1 • District 4 • District 6 • District 11 • District 14 • District 15 • District 17 • District 19 • District 21 • District 22 • District 23 • District 25 • District 26 • District 27 • District 29 • District 31 • District 38 • District 39 • District 41 • District 43 • District 45 • District 46 • District 47 • District 48 • District 49 • Find your district |
Results
District 1
The district has been represented by Republican Dan Dernulc since 2022. Dernulc was elected with 52.3% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Dan Dernulc, incumbent state senator
District 4
The district has been represented by Democrat Rodney Pol Jr. since 2021. He was elected with 52.3% of the vote in 2022.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Potential
- Rodney Pol Jr., incumbent state senator
District 6
The district has been represented by Republican Rick Niemeyer since 2014. Niemeyer was re-elected unopposed in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Rick Niemeyer, incumbent state senator
District 11
The district has been represented by Republican Linda Rogers since 2018. Rogers was re-elected with 61.7% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Linda Rogers, incumbent state senator
District 14
The district has been represented by Republican Tyler Johnson since 2022. Johnson was elected with 65.1% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Tyler Johnson, incumbent state senator
District 15
The district has been represented by Republican Liz Brown since 2014. Brown was re-elected unopposed in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Liz Brown, incumbent state senator[6]
- Darren Vogt, Northwest Allen County Schools board member, former Allen County councilman, candidate for this district in 2014[7]
Endorsements
State legislators
- Bob Morris, state representative for the 84th district (2010–present)[8]
U.S. senators
- Jim Banks, U.S. senator from Indiana (2025–present)[9]
Statewide officials
- Todd Rokita, 44th Indiana Attorney General (2021–present), former U.S. Representative for Indiana's 4th congressional district (2011–2019), and 59th Secretary of State of Indiana (2002–2010)[10]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Chloe Andis, U.S. Air Force veteran, defense consultant[11]
Endorsements
Organizations
District 17
The district has been represented by Republican Andy Zay since 2016. Zay was re-elected with 75.1% of the vote in 2022. In December 2025, Governor Mike Braun appointed Zay to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.[13] A caucus election among precinct committee members will elect someone to fill the remainder of Zay's term.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Mike Thompson, farmer and small business owner[14]
Declined
District 19
The district has been represented by Republican Travis Holdman since 2008. Holdman was re-elected unopposed in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Travis Holdman, incumbent state senator
District 21
The district has been represented by Republican Jim Buck since 2008. Buck was re-elected with 64% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Jim Buck, incumbent state senator[15]
- Tracey Powell, Tipton County commissioner[16]
District 22
The district has been represented by Republican Ron Alting since 1998. Alting was re-elected unopposed in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Richard Bagsby, pastor and candidate for House District 41 in 2022[17]
Potential
- Ron Alting, incumbent state senator
Endorsements
Statewide officials
- Micah Beckwith, 53rd Lieutenant Governor of Indiana (2025–present)[17]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Natasha Baker, teacher[18]
District 23
The district has been represented by Republican Spencer Deery since 2022. Deery was elected with 63.6% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Paula Copenhaver, former Fountain County clerk; governmental affairs director for Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith; and candidate for this seat in 2022[19]
- Spencer Deery, incumbent state senator[19]
Endorsements
Statewide officials
- Micah Beckwith, 53rd Lieutenant Governor of Indiana (2025–present)[19]
District 25
The district has been represented by Republican Mike Gaskill since 2022. Gaskill was elected with 64.1% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Mike Gaskill, incumbent state senator
District 26
The district has been represented by Republican Scott Alexander since 2022. Alexander was elected with 61% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Scott Alexander, incumbent state senator
District 27
The district has been represented by Republican Jeff Raatz since 2014. Raatz was re-elected with 71.2% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Jeff Raatz, incumbent state senator
District 29
The district has been represented by Democrat J. D. Ford since 2018. Ford was re-elected with 51.7% of the vote in 2022.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Potential
- J. D. Ford, incumbent state senator
District 31
The district has been represented by Republican Kyle Walker since 2020. Walker was re-elected with 55.4% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Juanita Albright, doctor and Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees President[20]
Formed exploratory committee
Declined
- Kyle Walker, incumbent state senator[22]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Kerry Forestal, Marion County sheriff[23]
District 38
The district has been represented by Republican Greg Goode since 2023. In 2023, Goode was appointed to the Indiana Senate after Jon Ford, resigned.[24]
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Greg Goode, incumbent state senator
District 39
The district has been represented by Republican Eric Bassler since 2014. Bassler was re-elected unopposed in 2022. In July 2025, Bassler announced he would not be seeking reelection.[25]
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Tanner Bouchie, attorney[26]
- Jeff Ellington, former state representative for the 62nd district (2015–2022)[27]
Declined
- Eric Bassler, incumbent state senator[25]
District 41
The district has been represented by Republican Greg Walker since 2006. Walker was re-elected with 67.8% of the vote in 2022. In August 2025, Walker confirmed he will not run for reelection.[28]
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- James Copp, former Green Beret[29]
- Michelle Davis, state representative for the 58th district (2020–present)[30]
- Milo Smith, former state representative for the 59th district (2006–2018)[28][27]
Potential
- Greg Pence, former U.S. representative for Indiana's 6th congressional district (2019–2025)[28]
Declined
- Greg Walker, incumbent state senator[28]
Endorsements
State legislators
- Joanna King, state representative for the 40th district (2020–present)[30]
- Julie McGuire, state representative for the 93rd district (2022–present)[30]
District 43
The district has been represented by Republican Randy Maxwell since 2023. In September 2023, Maxwell won a caucus held to appoint a new state senator for the 43rd district, garnering 56 of the 80 votes available.[31]
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Randy Maxwell, incumbent state senator
District 45
The district has been represented by Republican Chris Garten since 2018. Garten was re-elected with 62.1% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Chris Garten, incumbent state senator
District 46
The district has been represented by Democrat Andrea Hunley since 2024. Hunley was elected with 72.9% of the vote in 2022.
Democratic primary
Candidates
Potential
- Andrea Hunley, incumbent state senator
District 47
The district has been represented by Republican Gary Byrne since 2022. Byrne was elected with 66.8% of the vote in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Gary Byrne, incumbent state senator
District 48
The district has been represented by Republican Daryl Schmitt since 2024. After Mark Messmer was elected as the U.S. representative for Indiana's 8th congressional district, Daryl Schmitt was chosen to replace him.[32]
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Daryl Schmitt, incumbent state senator
District 49
The district has been represented by Republican Jim Tomes since 2010. Tomes was re-elected unopposed in 2022.
Republican primary
Candidates
Potential
- Jim Tomes, incumbent state senator
References
- ^ "2026 State Primary Election Dates". Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ Pellish, Aaron (December 10, 2025). "Trump threatens to primary Indiana Republicans ahead of key redistricting vote". POLITICO. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ^ Uribe, Raquel Coronell; Lebowitz, Megan (December 1, 2025). "At least 11 Indiana Republicans were targeted with threats or swatting attacks amid redistricting pressure from Trump". NBC News. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ^ Vakil, Caroline (December 11, 2025). "Indiana Senate rejects new House map, defying Trump". The Hill. Retrieved December 11, 2025.
- ^ Fields, Ashleigh (December 12, 2025). "Indiana governor says he'll help primary Republicans who defied Trump on redistricting". The Hill. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
- ^ "Longtime Republican faces primary fight and dark money is already flowing". Indiana Capital Chronicle. July 28, 2025. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
- ^ Carroll, Joe (July 31, 2025). "Liz Brown to face challenger for Indiana State Senate seat in upcoming primary". WANE-TV.
- ^ Williams, Josh (August 4, 2025). "Inside the Statehouse: State Rep. Bob Morris Endorses State Senator Liz Brown". WOWO.
- ^ Kelly, Niki (July 28, 2025). "Longtime Republican faces primary fight and dark money is already flowing". Indiana Capital Chronicle.
- ^ Gray, Macy (August 6, 2025). "Rokita Responds to Liz Brown – Endorses Darren Vogt". WOWO.
- ^ "Chloe Andis is running for Indiana State Senate, District 15 to raise the standard of living for all Hoosiers". Retrieved December 5, 2025.
- ^ https://directory.runforsomething.net/candidate/fe0da62c7ec11c6abea2f2ededb6431e/andis-chloe/
- ^ a b Parker, Cierra (December 12, 2025). "Governor Mike Braun announces three new additions to Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission". WPTA. Retrieved December 12, 2025.
- ^ Ford, Brian (November 21, 2025). "Trump-Aligned Challenger Mike Thompson Takes on Sen. Zay". WOWO. Retrieved November 21, 2025.
- ^ Davies, Tom (August 8, 2025). "Buck to seek Senate reelection; Steuerwald could face self-funding challenger". State Affairs.
- ^ "Tipton County Commissioner Tracey Powell running for State District 21 seat". Read the Reporter. September 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Davies, Tom (May 14, 2025). "Beckwith backing primary challenger to Republican Sen. Alting". State Affairs.
- ^ Bangert, Dave (October 29, 2025). "This and that: Democrat announces run for Alting's seat in Indiana Senate". Based in Lafayette.
- ^ a b c Bangert, Dave (November 18, 2025). "Trump promised primaries over failed redistricting, one lands for Spencer Deery in Senate District 23". Based in Lafayette, Indiana.
- ^ "Albright announces bid for Senate District 31". Current Publishing. December 4, 2025.
- ^ "Ditlevson explores bid for state Senate District 31 seat". Current Publishing. December 10, 2025.
- ^ Davies, Tom (December 3, 2025). "Republican senator against Indiana redistricting not seek reelection". Indiana Capital Chronicle.
- ^ Kelly, Niki (December 16, 2025). "Marion County sheriff to run for open state Indiana Senate seat". Indiana Capital Chronicle.
- ^ Kelly, Niki (October 9, 2023). "New senator chosen in caucus". Indiana Capital Chronicle. Retrieved January 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Davies, Tom (July 11, 2025). "Senator Bassler plans 2026 exit, says 3 terms is enough". State Affairs.
- ^ Davies, Tom (July 9, 2025). "Lawyer starts possible primary challenge to Republican Senator Bassler". State Affairs.
- ^ a b Davies, Tom (September 19, 2025). "Former lawmakers seek Statehouse comebacks in open races". State Affairs.
- ^ a b c d East, Andy (August 12, 2025). "Walker will not seek reelection to state Senate seat". The Republic.
- ^ Crenshaw, Noah (August 13, 2025). "James Copp among candidates to seek now-open Indiana Senate District 41 seat". Daily Journal. Retrieved August 13, 2025.
- ^ a b c Crenshaw, Noah (August 21, 2025). "State Rep. Davis to seek Senate District 41 seat next year". Daily Journal. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ Thayer, Travis (September 12, 2023). "Randy Maxwell Wins Senate District 43 Caucus". WSCH.
- ^ "Schmitt sworn in as Senate District 48 state senator". Indiana Senate Republicans. Retrieved February 10, 2025.