Houldieson, Starkey Lead in Indiana Senate Races
Early unofficial Lake County returns show Republicans Trevor De Vries and Kate-Lynn Holley trailing in two northwest Indiana state Senate contests.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
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Unofficial Lake County results from 289 precincts show Democrat Scott Houldieson leading Republican Trevor De Vries 57% to 43% in Indiana State Senate District 1, while James Starkey leads Kate-Lynn Holley 53% to 47% in District 6. Unofficial results from Benton, Jasper and Newton counties were not readily available Tuesday night.
Why it matters
The races are a test of Republican primary challengers backed by President Donald Trump, who targeted incumbents who voted against redrawing Indiana's congressional districts last December. Results in Lake County provide an early read on how those contests are unfolding in northwest Indiana.
Lake County unofficial returns, reported as of about 9:45 p.m. Tuesday, show 289 precincts counted in both races. Final results depend on outstanding counts from Benton, Jasper and Newton counties, which had not yet been reported.
The players
Scott Houldieson
Houldieson is a UAW leader and member who led in Indiana State Senate District 1 unofficial results.
Trevor De Vries
De Vries is a Republican candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump and Gov. Mike Braun in Indiana State Senate District 1.
James Starkey
Starkey is a construction project manager and Republican candidate leading in Indiana State Senate District 6 unofficial results.
Kate-Lynn Holley
Holley is a Demotte real estate agent and former professional wrestler running as a Republican in Indiana State Senate District 6.
Donald Trump
Trump is the current President of the United States, whose endorsements backed Republican primary challengers in Indiana.
The details
Republican primary winners De Vries and Starkey defeated sitting State Senators Dan Dernulc and Rick Niemeyer, and De Vries has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, Gov. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith and Attorney General Todd Rokita. Starkey, a construction project manager, said he expected Benton, Jasper and Newton counties to begin flipping in his favor around 9:30 p.m.
Timeline
December: Trump targeted incumbents who voted against redrawing Indiana's congressional districts.
2025: Senate Enrolled Act 1 passed, adding budget stress.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026: Unofficial results reported at about 9:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
Political Context
The contests follow Indiana's December vote on redrawing congressional districts, which prompted Trump to target incumbents who opposed it. Early Lake County returns offer a first indication of whether those primary challenges will translate into wins across the state.
Northwest Indiana residents face utility price increases linked to data center demand, making the outcome of these state Senate seats relevant to local energy policy. Voters in Lake County and surrounding counties will see which candidates represent them in the state Senate once results are finalized.
The takeaway
Early returns in competitive primaries can shift as remaining counties report, so final certified totals matter more than the initial lead. Readers should watch for complete results from Benton, Jasper and Newton counties before drawing conclusions about the races.
Further reading
For more context on the state's contests, see Indiana Elections.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chicago Tribune.
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