The Republican primary elections for two Indiana Senate seats that featured candidates endorsed by President Donald Trump have been certified — but there may be a recount in one or both races.
In state Senate District 23, which borders Illinois, West Lafayette incumbent Spencer Deery’s three-vote lead stood after Tippecanoe County’s election certification on May 15. Deery was challenged by Paula Copenhaver, who was backed by Trump in the primary election.
In that election, both candidates believed they had won and released statements on election night declaring victory. Now that the results have been certified, the Tippecanoe Election Board is preparing for a recount, although no formal requests for a recount have been made.
“We have been on a couple of Zoom calls with the secretary of state’s office,” said Mike Smith, a Tippecanoe Election Board staff member.
The Republican primary election for Indiana‘s Senate District 15 was also an extremely close race. In that election, Fort Wayne incumbent Liz Brown, who was endorsed by Trump, was challenged by Darren Vogt, who had the backing of U.S. Sen. Jim Banks.
Allen County election officials certified results on the afternoon of May 15, according to Fort Wayne TV news station WANE 15. Brown was certified as the winner over Vogt by 14 votes.
Indiana law required that all 92 Indiana counties certify their primary election results by May 15, which was also the first day for candidates or party chairs to file recount petitions. Candidates have until noon May 19 to file for a recount, while party chairs have until noon May 22.
Trump weighed in on the state Senate races as he sought to punish lawmakers who voted against Congressional redistricting and was largely successful, despite Deery’s certified election win.
In five other districts, the candidates endorsed by Trump won and ousted state lawmakers who voted against redistricting in 2025.
Including Deery’s Senate District 23 election, there were just two state Senate races that featured a Trump-endorsed challenger who was defeated by the incumbent. Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, who voted against redistricting, was the winner of his three-way primary in Senate District 38.
Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal & Courier. She can be reached via email at jellison@usatodayco.com.
Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @Jake_Allen19. Click here to get Hamilton County news sent straight to your inbox and subscribe to the IndyStar North newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Recounts possible for 2 Indiana races with Trump-endorsed candidates
Reporting by Jake Allen and Jillian Ellison, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
