Welcome to From the Politics Desk, your daily source for the latest insights and analysis from the NBC News political team on the White House, Capitol Hill, and election campaigns.
In this edition, Jane C. Timm highlights significant financial backing in the Indiana Senate primary, while Natasha Korecki explores the evolving dynamics of the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.
— Adam Wallner
Advertising Surge in Indiana Senate Primary Linked to Trump’s Endorsement
Reported by Jane C. Timm
Indiana’s political landscape has transformed dramatically as nearly $12 million in advertising dollars flood the airwaves ahead of tomorrow’s primary. This influx, as reported by AdImpact, has turned what is usually a quiet set of statehouse races into a heated battleground.
The surge in spending can be attributed to former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Republican primary challengers against seven incumbent state senators. These senators previously opposed the redistricting plan endorsed by Trump last year. To put the financial stakes in perspective, less than $500,000 was spent on Senate advertisements throughout the entire 2024 election cycle.
In a striking example of this shift, spending to challenge state Senator Spencer Deary has quadrupled in a single election cycle. Deary is being contested by Paula Copenhaver, an aide to Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor, Micah Beckwith.
The tone of advertisements across these primaries has been notably aggressive. For instance, state Senator Jim Buck, who has served in the Legislature since 1994, was labeled “old, pathetic, liberal” by the Hoosier Leadership for America PAC, which is associated with Senator Jim Banks (R-S.C.). Buck is gearing up for his first primary against Tipton County Commissioner Tracy Powell since he became a state senator in 2008.
Ads targeting state senators rarely influence votes against the congressional maps that ignited this primary challenge. The Hoosier Leadership PAC singled out seven incumbents over their votes related to foreign ownership of farmland, showcasing an aggressive campaign strategy.
One particularly memorable ad features state Senator Greg Walker’s face on a toilet paper roll, humorously suggesting, “Be weak against China,” while misrepresenting his support for a ban on certain foreign acquisitions of farmland, including those by China. Such tactics indicate a misleading campaign narrative aimed at galvanizing support against sitting incumbents.
The bulk of the funding for these campaigns originates from outside groups aligned with Trump. Hoosier Leadership for America has invested nearly $5 million, while the American Leadership PAC has contributed over $3 million. Both organizations are managed by Andrew Slavian, a trusted adviser to Donald Trump Jr. Meanwhile, the incumbents facing these Trump-endorsed challengers have collectively spent more than $2.6 million on advertising to secure their positions, which offer base salaries exceeding $33,000 a year.
Contributions to this coverage were provided by Ben Kamisar and Bridget Bowman.
The Quest for Leadership in the Progressive Movement Ahead of 2028
Analyzed by Natasha Koleki
The robust grassroots movement that famously rallied around Bernie Sanders in his presidential campaigns now grapples with a pivotal question: Who will take the helm in 2028?
Although the presidential race is still two years away, efforts to consolidate the support of progressives are already heating up behind the scenes. As this fierce competition unfolds, it could determine whether the far-left can seriously compete for the Democratic nomination or if their efforts fizzle out prematurely.
Discussions with over a dozen key figures from various liberal organizations reveal a lack of consensus on a singular successor to Sanders. While many potential candidates may emerge, the party’s most progressive factions are still weighing options and may accept candidates who don’t strictly align with past litmus tests.
Potential frontrunners include Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who some believe could uphold Sanders’ legacy. However, skepticism remains regarding her candidacy. California’s Representative Ro Khanna is also seen as a strong candidate by many, while others assert various individuals hold significant potential.
Joseph Guivarghese, executive director of Our Revolution—an organization founded by Bernie Sanders—expressed openness among the group’s 8 million members for a potential run by Sanders in 2028. He highlighted the surprise factor in the emergence of figures like the newly elected New York City Mayor, Zoran Mamdani, who quickly garnered national attention.
Ocasio-Cortez remains an influential figure in American politics, known for her ability to draw large crowds and raise substantial funds. Her name recognition places her in the top tier of potential Democratic presidential candidates. While she has not yet made a decision on whether to run for the Senate or the presidency, those close to her indicate she is considering all possibilities.
For now, the political landscape continues to shift, and the path to 2028 remains uncertain.
That’s it from the political desk for today. Today’s newsletter was edited by Adam Wollner.
