A recent recount in the May Indiana state Senate primary placed Republican Paula Copenhaver ahead of incumbent Spencer Deery. President Donald Trump supported Copenhaver. Deery and six other GOP state Senate members faced primary challenges after opposing a congressional map endorsed by Trump last year. Five candidates lost, while Deery initially held a three-vote lead, contested by Copenhaver.
On Monday, the Indiana Recount Commission invalidated ten votes. The votes affected included eight for Deery and two for Copenhaver, resulting in a three-vote lead for Copenhaver, as reported by the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
Deery plans to appeal the decision. He described the commission’s move as undermining voter intentions by judging ballots based on political alignment. He shared these thoughts in a post on X and a text to NBC News, stating that the ruling sets a concerning precedent for future elections.
“What was most remarkable about today’s hearing was that voter intent was never in question. None of the ballots challenged were discarded because there was uncertainty about whom the voter intended to support. The disputes instead centered on technicalities resulting from errors by government officials,” Deery stated. “We are confident Indiana’s appellate courts will restore the vote totals that have been counted and recounted and reaffirm the choice voters made in Senate District 23.”
Paula Copenhaver works as an aide to Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith. She did not respond to a request for comment. If the appeal does not change the result, Copenhaver is expected to win in the general election for the Republican-dominated 23rd state Senate district. Her competitors in this race are Democratic candidate David Sanders, a West Lafayette City Councilman, and independent candidate Joshua Brant.
The newly elected state Senate could revisit the redistricting debate for the 2028 election. Indiana Senate President Rod Bray, another opponent of Trump’s map, announced he would not pursue another term as the Republican leader.
President Trump highlighted Copenhaver’s success in a Truth Social post. He expressed gratitude to Indiana for supporting his presidential campaign and aiding in the removal of certain Senators, primarily targeting Senate President Bray.