Veteran Indiana House member leaving Trump’s Republican Party

Republican Rep. Ed Clere has decided to leave the Indiana Legislature after 18 years — and says the political changes brought by President Donald Trump have pushed him out of the party.

By: Tom Davies

Outlets: Indiana Capital Chronicle

Published: February 2, 2026

Words: 991

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 5 days ago

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Republican Rep. Ed Clere has decided to leave the Indiana General Assembly after 18 years — and says the political changes brought by President Donald Trump have pushed him out of the party.

Clere cited the conflict over the failed congressional redistricting demanded by Trump among his reasons for not seeking reelection to his House seat this year. He further plans to run as an independent candidate for New Albany mayor in 2027.

Trump has …

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