A notable shift is occurring within the Republican Party as traditional conservative voices begin to emerge from the shadows. Following years of dominance by former President Donald Trump, figures like Mike Pence are finding renewed strength, particularly evident in recent events in Indiana. This development marks a significant moment for conservatives who have felt marginalized since Trump’s rise to power.
Ten years ago, former Republican Senator Jack Danforth wrote an influential essay in *Time* that argued, “Today’s Republican Hardliners Aren’t ‘Conservatives’ — They’re Revolutionaries.” As Trump’s influence grew, many true conservatives felt compelled to remain silent. Pence, who notably resisted Trump during the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, is a prime example of this struggle. Despite facing threats from both Trump and the mob, Pence upheld his responsibilities, ultimately declaring Joe Biden the duly elected president.
As Trump’s presidency nears its end, his waning influence is prompting conservatives to reclaim their voice. Indiana recently showcased this trend when Trump attempted to pressure state Republicans into redrawing congressional district boundaries to secure additional seats for the GOP. Currently, Republicans hold seven of the nine congressional districts in the state. Traditionally, redistricting occurs every ten years, following the census, and the Indiana legislators pushed back against Trump’s demands.
In a decisive move, more than half of the state’s Republican senators—21 out of 40—voted against Trump’s redistricting plan, signaling a rejection of his heavy-handed tactics. State Senator Spencer Deery emphasized that the power to draw election maps is a “sacred responsibility” tied to election integrity. Senator Sue Glick echoed these sentiments, stating that Indiana residents do not respond well to intimidation tactics.
While Trump occasionally adopts conservative rhetoric, his approach often diverges from traditional conservative values. His policies on issues like gun rights and tax cuts may resonate with conservatives, but his populist style contradicts the core tenets of conservatism, which prioritize gradual change and respect for established norms. As Danforth highlighted in his essay, true conservatism aligns with the thoughts of 19th-century philosopher Edmund Burke, advocating for political change that is gradual and respects existing institutions.
In contrast, Trump’s leadership has often been characterized by an absolutist mentality, undermining traditional governance practices. According to political columnist Ed Kilgore of *New York Magazine*, Trump’s “smash-and-grab style” diverges significantly from the measured approach historically associated with conservative thinkers. Kilgore argues that Trump’s focus on personal adulation and a cult of personality fundamentally opposes the balanced governance that conservatism embodies.
During his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination two years ago, Pence urged voters to consider whether the party would adhere to conservative principles or succumb to populism. The subsequent choice to back Trump over Pence indicated a shift away from those principles. Nonetheless, the recent events in Indiana suggest that a resurgence of traditional conservatism is underway.
As this dynamic unfolds, the landscape of the Republican Party may be on the brink of transformation. With key figures like Pence and a growing number of Republican lawmakers in Indiana standing firm against Trump’s influence, the potential for a revival of true conservative values is becoming increasingly plausible.
Steven Roberts, a professor of politics and journalism at George Washington University, underscores the importance of this moment for the Republican Party. This evolution not only reflects changing political dynamics but also highlights the enduring relevance of conservative principles in the current political climate.
