FORT WAYNE, IND. — Republican challenger Blake Fichter has defeated longtime State Senator Travis Holdman in Indiana’s District 19 Republican primary, winning by a margin of more than 20 percentage points in a result that officials and campaign observers have described as one of the most significant upsets of the state’s primary cycle.

Fichter discussed the race Wednesday morning in an interview on Fort Wayne’s Morning News with Kayla Blakeslee, where he detailed election night movements across the district and the moment he learned the race had been called in his favor.

“I spent all day at the polling centers,” Fichter said. “District 19 is a big district. My wife and I and my dad ended up joining. We just kind of were hitting around. I was up in Fort Wayne, I went over to Decatur for a little bit, then I was in Bluffton.”

Fichter said he also attended a scheduled Bluffton City Council meeting during the evening, which coincided with Election Day. “At about 5:15, I was kind of like, you know, I’ve done everything I can do. Now I can just go stand at the polls and smile and wave at people and hope and pray that I get their vote.”

He described a transition into the evening where he began reviewing early voting data. “I had a friend send me some polling numbers from early voting, and I thought, okay, well, that’s a good trend. The three counties that did early polling shows I’m in the lead.”

Fichter said he left his city council meeting and began traveling through the district as unofficial results were still coming in. “I started picking up signs in the area,” he said, noting weather conditions that included steady rain throughout the day.

The moment he learned of the projected outcome came while he was walking toward a Republican headquarters location in Bluffton. “I got a call from someone and they were like, ‘Hey, we want to be the first to congratulate you and thank you.’ And I’m like, for what? And they’re like, ‘No, it’s just been called. You’re the winner.’”

Fichter said he initially sought confirmation as additional county results were still being reported. “I stood there kind of not sure if that call was real or not. And then as the next 10, 15 minutes went on, it became clear that they did officially call it. And I was the winner.”

The race, which centered heavily on intraparty dynamics and policy direction, resulted in Fichter defeating Holdman by more than 20 points, according to final tabulations cited during the interview.

Asked whether he expected such a wide margin against an established incumbent, Fichter said, “Not one bit. I was floored. I think it just goes to show District 19 clearly was ready for a new representation.”

He added, “I think Hoosiers are ready for some common sense, practical policies down in Indy. They’re ready for a smaller government. Let’s work to reduce some costs. Tax reform is my biggest baby.”

Fichter also referenced campaign themes including redistricting and voter engagement. “When I was out knocking door to door, District 19 wants District 19. They don’t want Indy encroaching into our area.”

He said his expectations prior to election night were more conservative than the final outcome. “I thought if I was going to win, it was going to be like five points, six points or something like that. I didn’t expect anything that large.”

During the interview, Fichter responded to a statement from Holdman that referenced the tone of the race. When asked about Holdman’s comment that “revenge and retribution is not a Christian value,” Fichter said he did not interpret the election outcome in that context.

“I don’t think it is revenge,” Fichter said. “I don’t think that is to say every voter that supported me was going after Travis for revenge. I really don’t think that. I hold no ill feelings towards Travis. I think his votes speak for themselves.”

Fichter reiterated that he views the result as a reflection of voter preference in the district. “People in District 19, they wanted new representation. I think they showed up in full force to show that that is actually what they wanted.”

He also addressed campaign messaging and the role of national political endorsements. “The Trump endorsement provided a lot of name recognition for me. My face was everywhere.”

Fichter added that advertising saturation came to an end as the election concluded. “I woke up Tuesday at least glad that the ads and the mailers were all coming to an end.”

Looking ahead to the general election cycle in November, Fichter said he intends to remain in contact with constituents and continue campaign messaging. “I’ll love to keep in touch with you guys and keep you updated,” he said at the conclusion of the interview.

The District 19 result adds to a series of closely watched Republican primary contests across Indiana, many of which have centered on ideological divisions within the party and differing approaches to policy priorities heading into the November election.