Blake Fiechter, a Bluffton city councilman endorsed by President Donald Trump, won the Republican primary for Indiana State Senate District 19 on Tuesday evening, defeating longtime incumbent Travis Holdman.

With about 60% of the expected vote counted, Fiechter held a commanding lead of 58% to Holdman's 42%, according to results from Decision Desk HQ. Fiechter received 5,974 votes while Holdman garnered 4,253. The New York Times showed Fiechter at 60% in its live results. NBC News projected Fiechter as the winner shortly after polls closed at 6 p.m. ET.

The district spans rural northeastern Indiana, including parts of Adams, Allen, Blackford, Jay, and Wells counties. Early county breakdowns showed Fiechter leading in key areas like Wells County, his home base, by more than 15 points, with over 95% reporting there.

Holdman, a Markle Republican who has served since 2008, faced backlash from Trump supporters for voting against a congressional redistricting plan in late 2025 that would have favored Republicans. Trump labeled Holdman a "RINO" in a January Truth Social post, throwing his "Complete and Total Endorsement" behind Fiechter, then a first-term at-large Bluffton councilman and real estate broker.

Fiechter entered the race days after Trump's endorsement, campaigning as a "True America First Patriot." The challenge was part of a broader Trump effort targeting seven Indiana Senate Republicans over the redistricting vote, with challengers also advancing in other districts.

Holdman, a former Senate Majority Leader, defended his record on fiscal conservatism and local issues but struggled against the national endorsement's momentum. Despite outspending Fiechter significantly, Holdman raised over $424,000 compared to Fiechter's limited funds, the challenger prevailed.

Democrat Timothy Murphy, a pastor, won his uncontested primary and will face Fiechter in November. The solidly Republican district makes Fiechter the strong favorite for the general election.

This primary victory marks a significant win for Trump's influence in state-level races, signaling continued intraparty tensions over loyalty and policy in the Hoosier State.