Op-Ed: Don’t Fall for Desperate Pleas

This op-ed originally appeared in the April 23, 2026, edition of the Bluffton News-Banner.

If you’re like me, a reliable Republican voter who has proudly supported President Trump every time he’s been on the ballot, you’ve probably noticed the flood of ads hitting your mailbox, television and social media. The message is clear: don’t let President Trump down and support one specific candidate. Don’t fall for it.

What’s happening is a coordinated effort by the President and his dark-money allies to target state legislators who listened to their constituents and voted against mid-decade redistricting. These attacks reduce a record of service down to a single vote.

We are also seeing a wave of cookie-cutter, copy-and-paste endorsements handed out based on a single issue: redistricting. Hoosiers know there is far more to President Trump’s agenda than that. From economic growth to border security to energy independence, there is plenty for Republicans to rally behind without turning on proven conservatives over a single disagreement.

I still support President Trump and want him to succeed. When he succeeds, our country succeeds. But support does not mean blind agreement on every issue and it should not require turning on leaders who have faithfully served their constituents.

We should take a step back and think long-term. Even if new maps were passed next session, they would not take effect until 2028. By then, we will have a new presidential nominee and a very different political landscape.

Opposing mid-decade redistricting is not the same as opposing President Trump. In fact, many of the senators who voted no likely helped preserve Republican strength in our congressional delegation. The proposed maps carried real risk and could have opened the door for Democrats to gain ground in multiple districts.

Here at home, we know Senator Holdman. He has always shown up. Not just during election season but year after year throughout his tenure. He has been present in the community, accessible to constituents and consistent in his service. He does not simply go along to get along. He listens to the people he represents, not outside pressure campaigns no matter how loud or well-funded they may be.

Do I agree with Senator Holdman on every issue? No. Do I agree with President Trump on every issue? No. That is not the point. Good representation requires judgment, independence and a willingness to stand firm when it matters.

This national attention may be overshadowing local races but those are the ones that impact us most directly. I encourage every voter to take the time to do their own research before casting a ballot.

Because at the end of the day, if we fall for desperate pleas, we will likely end up with someone who will always go along to get along.

Oh, and if you happened to read Cathie Peterson’s April 14 letter, I would encourage you to take it with a grain of salt. Her claims in that letter are not accurate. For those interested, a full response, along with documentation addressing those claims, is available on the Wells County Republican Facebook page.