Audio recordings, text messages, voicemail transcripts, and a formal statement released Friday by candidate Alexandra Wilson appear to show a coordinated effort by senior Republican political figures and allied organizations to persuade her to consider stepping aside in the Indiana Senate District 38 race.
Critically, all of the outreach reviewed by Indy Politics occurred before the statutory deadline for candidates to withdraw from the race, raising fresh questions about whether the contacts were part of a deliberate effort to clear the field in one of Indiana’s most closely watched Republican primaries.
The materials, obtained and reviewed by Indy Politics, include audio of a phone conversation with a caller identified in prior messages as Matt Brasseaux, White House Political Director, along with voicemails and text messages tied to Governor Mike Braun’s orbit, Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith, and outside conservative political groups.
In a statement released Friday morning, Wilson directly accused White House and Indiana officials of attempting to pressure her out of the race.
“Instead of considering the merits of my candidacy, the White House and Indiana leaders have spent countless hours trying to push me aside, including offers of potential employment in taxpayer-funded roles in exchange for my leaving the race.”
Wilson added:
“They crossed a line, and Hoosiers deserve to know that.”
She also made clear that she remains a supporter of President Donald Trump, but believes he endorsed the wrong candidate in the SD 38 contest.
Timing matters
The timing of the communications is significant.
The calls, texts, and voicemails all took place before the withdrawal deadline, the last point at which Wilson could have removed herself from the ballot without additional legal complications.
That timing gives additional context to the repeated efforts to contact her.
At the center of the controversy is audio obtained by Indy Politics of a phone conversation in which the caller discusses whether there is a way for Wilson to leave the race while still maintaining influence in public affairs.
In the call, the caller asks whether there is:
“a landing spot within the state”
that would allow Wilson to remain involved in public service.
Later, the caller becomes more direct.
“Is there a pathway to where you would put some thought into another route to making an impact in your community?”
When Wilson asks whether that means taking a state job, the response broadens the discussion.
“It wouldn’t have to be a job… we can think outside the box here.”
The most politically significant line in the audio may be when the caller lays out the strategic objective.
“We are solely focused and want to make these races a two man race.”
The caller then says the goal is to:
“take out Greg Good and move on.”
Because these conversations took place before Wilson’s deadline to withdraw, that language appears to directly connect the discussion of alternative opportunities with an effort to clear the field in favor of Trump-endorsed candidate Brenda Wilson.
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More than one official reached out
The White House outreach was not isolated.
Text messages reviewed by Indy Politics show direct contact from Joshua Kelley, who identifies himself in one message as being:
“with the Governor.”
Another message references a conversation with Governor Braun’s chief of staff and suggests possible appointments.
“He has several options for boards / commissions that could be an option for you to positively influence your community too.”
Separate voicemails and call logs also show direct contact from Micah Beckwith.
In one voicemail, Beckwith identifies himself and references Wilson’s candidacy.
“Hey, Alexandra. This is Micah… lieutenant governor of the state of Indiana… I know you filed to run for office and wanted to pick your brain on a couple things.”
Wilson has also stated that she was contacted by Club for Growth representatives.
Taken together, the communications now document outreach from:
- White House political staff
- Governor Braun’s orbit
- the lieutenant governor
- Club for Growth
all before the withdrawal deadline.
That timing may be the most important fact in the entire story.
The materials reviewed by Indy Politics do not contain an explicit statement promising a specific appointment in exchange for Wilson withdrawing.
But they clearly show repeated discussion of alternatives, possible appointments, and a stated desire to reduce the race to two candidates.
At minimum, the evidence shows a concerted pre-deadline effort to determine whether Wilson would consider leaving the race.
And now voters deserve to know why.