A significant shift is underway within the Republican Party as traditional conservatives begin to reclaim their voice. This resurgence comes as former President Donald Trump sees a decline in his influence and approval ratings. A recent incident in Indiana highlights this shift, where state legislators resisted Trump’s attempts to manipulate congressional redistricting, demonstrating a commitment to conservative values and governance.
Over a decade ago, former Republican senator Jack Danforth warned in a Time magazine essay that the hardliners within the party were not true conservatives, but rather revolutionaries. His assertion has gained prominence as Trump’s reign over the party has stifled genuine conservative dialogue. Notably, Mike Pence, who stood firm against the mob that besieged the Capitol on January 6, 2021, exemplifies this struggle. Despite facing threats of violence and criticism from Trump, Pence upheld his constitutional duties and conservative principles, which has led to his political marginalization.
Recently, Trump’s efforts to sway Indiana Republicans into redrawing congressional boundaries were met with considerable pushback. Despite the state’s Republican majority, more than half of the 40 state senators voted against Trump’s proposal, emphasizing a commitment to integrity and traditional values. State Senator Spencer Deery articulated the sentiment, stating, “The power to draw election maps is a sacred responsibility directly tied to the integrity of our elections and the people’s faith in our constitutional system.”
The resistance from Indiana lawmakers reflects a broader sentiment among conservatives who are increasingly rejecting Trump’s aggressive tactics. Senator Sue Glick noted that “Hoosiers are a hardy lot, and they don’t like to be threatened,” illustrating a collective unwillingness to be intimidated by the former president.
Trump’s approach is often characterized by a blend of populism and cultural conservatism on issues such as gun rights and abortion. Yet, his economic policies, including higher tariffs, stray from traditional conservative ideals. True conservatism, as articulated by figures like Danforth, is rooted in respect for history, gradual change, and adherence to established norms. Danforth referenced 19th-century British philosopher Edmund Burke, whose philosophy emphasized that political change should be achieved through existing institutions rather than revolutionary means.
Critics, including political columnist Ed Kilgore, argue that Trump’s style undermines the foundational principles of conservatism. Kilgore described Trump’s governance as “smash-and-grab,” which contrasts sharply with the measured, deliberative approach that has historically defined conservative thought.
Two years prior, during his presidential campaign, Pence posed a critical question to Republican voters: “Will we be the party of conservatism, or will we follow the siren song of populism unmoored to conservative principles?” At that time, the party’s allegiance leaned heavily toward Trump, sidelining Pence’s message.
As Trump’s presidency recedes into the past, the re-emergence of conservative values among party members signals a potential recalibration within the Republican Party. The events in Indiana serve as a reminder that traditional conservatism, characterized by restraint and respect for democratic processes, remains a potent force, even in the face of populist pressures.
