Trump-Backed Challenger Defeats Indiana State Sen. Holdman in Primary

Early results from Indiana's Republican primaries show mixed results for President Donald Trump's endorsements in state Senate races.

Trump's influence faces a test as challengers he backed take on eight GOP state senators. Those senators had rejected a congressional redistricting plan five months ago despite heavy pressure from Trump and his allies. The plan would have given solidly Republican Indiana two more right-leaning U.S. House seats before the midterms.

The Associated Press reports that Trump-endorsed Blake Fletcher defeated incumbent state Sen. Travis Holdman in the 19th District in northeastern Indiana.

State Sen. Greg Goode turned back two challengers, Trump-backed Brenda Wilson and Alexandra Wilson, in District 38 in western Indiana.

Trump endorsed challengers to seven of the eight senators who opposed the redistricting bill.

Trump's allies spent more than $6 million to unseat the incumbents, according to ad tracking firm AdImpact. Leading efforts were Hoosier Leadership for America and American Leadership PAC, groups tied to GOP Sen. Jim Banks, a close Trump ally. Groups linked to Republican Gov. Mike Braun joined the push. National organizations Turning Point USA's political arm and the Club for Growth also supported Trump in the state.

The internal GOP fight pitted MAGA supporters against traditional conservatives over the party's direction.

Club for Growth President David McIntosh, a former Indiana congressman, told Fox News Digital: "We've got to change those old-style Republicans, put in people who will fight, fight against the Democrat gerrymandering."

McIntosh added, "I want to see my state do the right thing."

The incumbents raised far more money than their challengers and received support from the Indiana Senate GOP caucus.

One race set Trump against his former Vice President Mike Pence. Trump backed challenger Tracey Powell against state Sen. Jim Buck, who had Pence's support. Pence is a former Indiana governor and congressman.

A pro-Trump source involved in the races told Fox News Digital on the eve of the primary that taking half the targeted seats would count as a win, with more a major success.