White House Accused of Undermining Indiana State Senate Primary

Allegations of job offers and threats made to third candidate with same last name as preferred GOP contender

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A fractured, abstract painting in muted earth tones depicting a government building or political symbol, conveying the divisive and turbulent nature of the White House's alleged interference in the Indiana state Senate primary.The White House's alleged attempts to influence a state Senate primary in Indiana expose the complex web of political influence and the potential for abuse of power.Terre Haute Today

The White House is facing allegations of attempting to influence the outcome of a Republican primary race for an Indiana state Senate seat. Officials are accused of making repeated phone calls, text messages, and voicemails to a third candidate, Alexandra Wilson, offering her a job in the administration and warning of potential negative publicity if she remained in the race against the White House's preferred candidate, Brenda Wilson. Despite the intense pressure, Alexandra Wilson refused to back down, leading to a legal battle over her ballot eligibility.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the lengths to which political operatives will go to shape election outcomes, even in down-ballot state races. The White House's alleged tactics raise concerns about the integrity of the democratic process and the potential for abuse of power. It also underscores the divisive nature of shared last names in elections.

The details

Over several days in February, White House officials including political director Matt Brasseaux, deputy chief of staff James Blair, and Midwest regional political director Marshall Moreau, made repeated contacts with Alexandra Wilson, a 34-year-old network engineer also running in the Republican primary. The officials offered Wilson a job in the administration, suggesting it could help remove the incumbent, Greg Goode, who had previously opposed the White House on a redistricting plan. As Wilson refused the offer, the tone shifted, with officials warning her of potential negative publicity and attacks from Goode's allies due to her past arrest record.

  • On February 11, White House officials first contacted Alexandra Wilson, offering her a job.
  • On February 12, the day before the withdrawal deadline, the White House officials became more insistent in their pressure on Wilson.

The players

Alexandra Wilson

A 34-year-old network engineer who was also running in the Republican primary for the Indiana state Senate seat, despite pressure from the White House to withdraw.

Brenda Wilson

The White House's preferred candidate in the Republican primary for the Indiana state Senate seat.

Greg Goode

The incumbent state Senator who had previously opposed the White House on a redistricting plan.

Matt Brasseaux

The White House's political director who contacted Alexandra Wilson about a job offer.

James Blair

The White House's deputy chief of staff who contacted Alexandra Wilson and warned her about potential negative publicity.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must kill two birds with one stone.”

— Matt Brasseaux, White House Political Director

“It could get really ugly.”

— James Blair, White House Deputy Chief of Staff

What’s next

The legal battle over Alexandra Wilson's ballot eligibility is ongoing, with conservative attorney Jim Bopp filing a petition to disqualify her, alleging a 'trick' to help Democrats. The Election Commission deadlocked on the issue, and Bopp has taken the case to court.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the lengths to which political operatives will go to influence election outcomes, even in down-ballot state races. The White House's alleged tactics raise concerns about the integrity of the democratic process and the potential for abuse of power, as well as the divisive nature of shared last names in elections.