Indiana Senate primary recount puts Trump-backed candidate ahead by three votes

A recount of the May Republican primary for Indiana's 23rd state Senate district has shifted the lead to Paula Copenhaver, a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump, giving her a three-vote advantage over incumbent Spencer Deery. The Indiana Recount Commission dismissed ten ballots—eight for Deery and two for Copenhaver—according to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, resulting in the narrow margin.

Deery posted on X that he intends to appeal, describing the ruling as an effort to undermine voter intent. In a text to the news outlet, he said the commission’s decision set a concerning precedent for future election challenges and emphasized that the disputed ballots were rejected due to procedural errors, not uncertainty about voter choice. He expressed confidence that Indiana appellate courts would restore the original vote totals.

Copenhaver, who works for Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, has not responded to requests for comment. If the recount outcome stands, she would become the Republican nominee in a heavily GOP-leaned district that also includes Democrat David Sanders and independent Joshua Brant.

The race follows a broader intra-party clash, as Deery was among seven state senators who opposed a congressional redistricting map backed by Trump. Several of those senators lost their primaries, while Deery had previously maintained a slim lead before the recount. Senate President Rod Bray, also a critic of the Trump-supported map, announced he will not seek another term as Republican leader, hinting at possible redistricting reforms ahead of the 2028 elections.