Hoosiers disapprove of Trump, Braun and data centers in new poll

Hoosiers largely disapprove of how President Donald Trump and Gov. Mike Braun are doing their jobs and oppose early redistricting and data centers, according to a new poll conducted by Bellwether Research.

Free Press Indiana commissioned the poll of 839 likely voters performed Oct. 8-11. It oversampled Republicans, in line with the state’s GOP lean.

The group is a nonprofit news organization founded in 2023 to provide free, community-based local journalism across the state. The group runs Mirror Indy and Free Press Indiana News.

When asked about Trump, 54% disapproved while 44% approved. Braun’s numbers are even lower, with 48% disapproving and 38% approving.

In three presidential runs, Trump has won Indiana easily — with 56% of the vote being his lowest win total in the state.

Christine Matthews, a longtime pollster and the president of Bellwether Research, said voters are souring on Trump all over the country and Indiana is not immune. Bellwether is considered moderate Republican polling firm.

“Indiana is not immune to what’s happening nationally. It’s not immune to rising gas prices, cost of living, the sense that the Republicans in the Trump administration are not focused on the issues that matter to them,” she said.

Matthews also said she reviewed prior polling and believes this is the highest disapproval rate for Trump in Indiana.

The poll also included questions on top concerns for voters, with government corruption coming out on top followed by inflation or cost of living. She called the corruption result the most surprising finding of the poll.

“If I’m a Republican in Indiana, I think I would be quite concerned about that result and what it tells me about the mood of voters,” Matthews said.

One question asked about eliminating property taxes and replacing the revenue with another type of tax. Only 50% strongly or somewhat favored the move, with 27% in opposition and 24% unsure.

Matthews said it’s clear residents are interested in the idea but want to hear what the options are before jumping on board.

Hoosiers are certain how they feel about data center construction, though.

Almost 70% strongly or somewhat opposed building new data centers in Indiana, with 18% in support.

Matthews said the opposition jumped markedly in this poll compared to a survey she ran last year in the state.

“It’s overwhelmingly negative,” she said. “So anyone associated with data centers is going to suffer for that a little bit.”

Voters were also asked about whether state lawmakers should draw new congressional boundaries in the 2027 legislative session to take effect for the 2028 election. Only 30% supported redistricting early with 56% against, aligning with previous polls in Indiana.

About 42% of those surveyed identified as Republican and 30% identified Democrat. Another 7% considered themselves independent but leaning Republican; 11% independent but leaning Democrat; and 11% independent with no lean.