Voter turnout in Tuesday’s primary election reached about 15.8% in Marion County, the highest rate for a midterm primary since at least 2010.
The turnout just barely exceeded the rate in 2018, the midterm primary during President Donald Trump’s first term, according to county election data.
But unlike 2018, Democrats are overwhelmingly responsible for the relatively high turnout. About 80% of the votes cast this year were Democratic ballots, compared to 60% in 2018 and 2022.
Nearly twice as many Democrats cast a ballot in 2026 compared to 2022. By contrast, about 22% fewer Republicans voted.
“Last night is proof that Marion County Democrats are fired up and ready to fight,” said Myla Eldridge, chair of the Marion County Democratic Party, in an emailed statement. “The frustration Democrats feel right now is real and voters showed that yesterday. We are going to channel that frustration into organizing and turning out Indy Democrats in full force this November.”
Natalie Goodwin, chair of the Marion County Republican Party, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Marion County election results
The bigger picture
The general election in November will determine which party controls the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Both chambers are currently controlled by Republicans.
Midterm elections are typically viewed as a referendum on the sitting president. Nationally, Republicans may face a steep uphill battle in November, with Trump’s approval rating reaching new lows.
Indiana voters, meanwhile, seem to have sent a message to state lawmakers. At least five of seven state senators who last year rejected Trump’s redistricting push lost their primaries to Trump-backed candidates. But it was also just a tough day for incumbents. Three other Republican state lawmakers also lost their primaries.
In Indianapolis, there were few surprises on Tuesday as most local U.S. and Statehouse incumbents won their races.
In one of the most closely watched local races, incumbent clerk Kate Sweeney Bell eked out a victory against Karla López Owens with a margin less than three points.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Emily Hopkins is a senior reporter at Mirror Indy. You can reach them by phone or Signal at 317-790-5268 or email at emily.hopkins@mirrorindy.org. Follow them on most social media @indyemapolis or on Bluesky @emilyhopkins.bsky.social.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
