A new poll conducted by Bellwether Research indicates a significant level of disapproval among Hoosiers for both President Donald Trump and Governor Mike Braun. The poll, which surveyed 839 likely voters between October 8 and 11, also revealed strong opposition to the construction of new data centers and the concept of early redistricting in Indiana.
Fifty-four percent of surveyed Hoosiers expressed disapproval of President Trump's job performance, while 44% approved. Governor Braun's approval numbers were even lower, with 48% disapproving and 38% approving of his job performance. Christine Matthews, president of Bellwether Research, a firm considered a moderate Republican polling firm, noted that voters are “souring on Trump all over the country,” with Indiana not immune. Matthews added that the state is experiencing rising gas prices and an increased cost of living, contributing to a sense that Republicans in the Trump administration are not focused on issues that matter to voters. Matthews stated that, based on her review of prior polling, this represents the highest disapproval rate for Trump in Indiana. Historically, Trump has won Indiana easily in three presidential runs, with 56% of the vote being his lowest win total in the state.
Beyond candidate performance, the poll delved into the top concerns for voters, identifying government corruption as the foremost issue, followed closely by inflation or the cost of living. Matthews described the finding regarding government corruption as “the most surprising finding of the poll.” She suggested that if she were a Republican in Indiana, she “would be quite concerned about that result and what it tells me about the mood of voters.”
Hoosiers demonstrated clear opinions on the construction of new data centers within the state. Nearly 70% of those surveyed strongly or somewhat opposed building new data centers in Indiana, with only 18% expressing support. Matthews highlighted that this opposition has “jumped markedly” in this poll compared to a survey she conducted last year in Indiana. She characterized the sentiment as “overwhelmingly negative,” suggesting that “anyone associated with data centers is going to suffer for that a little bit.”
Voters also largely opposed the idea of state lawmakers drawing new congressional boundaries in the 2027 legislative session, which would take effect for the 2028 election. Fifty-six percent were against early redistricting, while only 30% supported it. This opposition aligns with previous polls conducted in Indiana.
Regarding a proposal to eliminate property taxes and replace the revenue with another type of tax, the poll found a more divided response. Fifty percent of respondents strongly or somewhat favored the move, 27% were in opposition, and 24% remained unsure. Matthews interpreted these results to mean that residents are interested in the concept but desire more information on specific options before committing their full support.
The Bellwether Research poll was commissioned by Free Press Indiana, a nonprofit news organization founded in 2023 to deliver free, community-based local journalism across the state. The organization operates Mirror Indy and Free Press Indiana News. The poll oversampled Republicans, reflecting the state’s general GOP lean. Of those surveyed, approximately 42% identified as Republican, 30% as Democrat, 7% as independent but leaning Republican, 11% as independent but leaning Democrat, and 11% as independent with no specific political lean.
