Rep. André Carson faces likely Dem primary challenge
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Rep. Andre Carson walks to votes at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 29, 2024. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Rep. André Carson (D-Ind.) could soon join the ranks of veteran House Democrats facing primary challenges as a local Democratic operative eyes launching a bid for his seat this week.
Why it matters: George Hornedo, like other Democratic insurgents, is framing his likely run as a clash of energy as the party's grassroots agitate for their elected officials to be more pugnacious — or step aside.
- Hornedo said in a phone interview that Carson "is just holding office and not actually doing anything with it," calling him a "warm body in an empty suit."
- "I'm exploring running for this seat because too many people in my community here in Indianapolis are still waiting ... for real leadership," he told Axios.
Zoom in: A former Indianapolis city councilman, Carson, 50, was elected to Congress in 2008 in a special election to replace his grandmother, Julia Carson, following her death.
- Hornedo, 34, is a Democratic strategist who worked on Pete Buttigieg's 2020 presidential campaign and serves on the Indiana Democratic Party's state central committee.
- He is no stranger to primary challenges, having worked for DNC member Ron Harris in his run against then-Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) last cycle.
The other side: "I've always welcomed new voices to the conversation and encourage everyone to participate in our political process. ... I'll keep fighting for Hoosiers and against billionaire special interests," Carson said in a statement.
- Carson spokesperson Caroline Ellert said in a separate statement that his reelection victory last year "is proof that Indianapolis trusts the congressman to represent their interests."
- "Congressman Carson remains a powerful leader in the Democratic Party as a Midwestern voice who is able to push progressive legislation while still finding bipartisan, common sense solutions," she added.
Zoom out: Carson would be the fifth House Democrat facing a primary challenge from a younger opponent so far this cycle.
- A 26-year-old progressive influencer, Kat Abughazaleh, is running against 80-year-old Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).
- Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), 85, is being challenged by 39-year-old Saikat Chakrabarti, a tech millionaire and former top aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
- Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.), 79, who was ousted last year as the ranking member of the Agriculture Committee, is being challenged by 66-year-old state Sen. Emanuel Jones.
- And Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), 70, is now facing a bid from 37-year-old Jake Rakov, his former deputy communications director.
