Paula Copenhaver wins Indiana Senate primary after recount

The Indiana Recount Commission has overturned the results of the May Republican primary for State Senate District 23, declaring challenger Paula Copenhaver the winner over incumbent Spencer Deery. The decision follows a review of contested ballots where the commission rejected eight votes for Deery and two for Copenhaver due to technical clerical errors, such as missing signatures or initials from election officials.

Initially, Deery held a three-vote lead, but the recount flipped the outcome, giving Copenhaver a new three-vote margin with 6,332 votes to Deery’s 6,329. Copenhaver, who is endorsed by Donald Trump, was part of a broader wave of Trump-backed challengers targeting Republican incumbents who opposed a redrawn congressional map.

Deery, who opposed the redistricting plan, has criticized the commission, alleging the decision was designed to further political goals rather than ensure fairness. His legal counsel has indicated plans to appeal the decision to the Indiana Court of Appeals.