Linda Rogers wants voters to believe there’s a loyalty test for Republicans. There’s just one problem. She doesn’t pass her own loyalty test.
The Granger state senator took to Facebook on April 15 with a colorful graphic declaring her primary opponent, Dr. Brian Schmutzler, inadequate. His sin, according to Rogers: not voting in a Republican primary since 2012.
Therefore, Rogers huffs, “That means he’s never supported President Trump in a primary.”
Tough talk, Linda. Neither did you.
Rogers did not vote in the 2014 or 2016 Republican primaries. According to available public records, the first time Rogers pulled a Republican primary ballot was 2018. That was her first state senate campaign.
After that, sure. She voted in 2020 and 2024. But Trump was essentially unopposed both times. In Indiana’s 2020 Republican primary election, Trump received 92 percent of the vote. Bill Weld had already dropped out. In Indiana’s 2024 primary, Trump received 78 percent. Nikki Haley had already dropped out. Trump had already won both Indiana primaries before election day.
You know which Trump primary actually mattered in Indiana? 2016. The one where Trump was not inevitable. The one where Ted Cruz was still fighting for a contested convention, still trying to deny Trump the nomination. Trump beat Cruz 53 to 37 percent in Indiana, and Cruz dropped out later that night. Indiana ended the primary. Indiana made Trump the nominee.
Linda Rogers did not vote in that primary.
There is a reason Trump is campaigning in Rogers’ district. On December 11, Rogers sided with the Democrats and voted against Trump’s push to redraw Indiana’s congressional map. The bill failed 31 to 19. Trump promised consequences if his redistricting effort failed, and now Rogers has a primary opponent.
On April 7, President Trump endorsed her opponent. Trump called Rogers a “RINO.” Trump called Rogers a “LOSER.” Trump told District 11 to send her home. Rogers can’t rebut a Trump endorsement, so she is attacking her opponent’s loyalty to the President instead.
When Donald Trump asked Indiana Republicans to stand with him on the maps, Linda Rogers voted with the Democrats. Now she claims she’s Trump’s most loyal supporter.