Rep. André Carson sails through primary challenge
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U.S. Rep. André Carson is expected to win his 10th term in Congress representing Indiana's 7th District. Photo: Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images
André Carson sailed through what was expected to be the toughest challenge of his nearly two decades in office.
The big picture: Incumbents across the state largely held on, bucking the trend of ousting veteran lawmakers seen in earlier primaries in other states.
Zoom in: Carson easily bested challengers Destiny Wells, who ran unsuccessfully for attorney general in 2024 and secretary of state in 2022, George Hornedo and Denise Paul Hatch.
- With 97% of precincts reporting, Carson secured nearly two-thirds of the vote, according to the Associated Press.
- Carson will face Patrick McAuley, the winner of the Republican primary, in November. In this Democratic stronghold, Carson is expected to win easily.
"I never take anything for granted," Carson said in a statement, "and I'm proud of the work we put into this race."
State of play: Other incumbents similarly sailed through their primary races, a break from the trend of ousting veteran lawmakers seen in earlier primaries in other states.
In the 4th District, 80-year-old incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Baird handily defeated a stiff challenge from state Rep. Craig Haggard and John Piper.
- "I'm honored by the trust voters have placed in me tonight, and I look forward to continuing our work to strengthen Indiana and our country," Baird said in a statement.
- He'll face Drew Cox, who won an eight-way race for the Democratic nomination with 30% of the vote.
In the 5th District, incumbent U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, seeking a fourth term, won her primary challenge over Scott King.
- She was up 20 points with 98% of precincts reporting, according to the Associated Press.
- State Sen. J.D. Ford beat six challengers for the Democratic nomination, setting up a General Election race to watch.
What they're saying: "State Senator J.D. Ford will put Indiana's 5th District into the national spotlight," Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian said in a statement. "We will unseat Victoria Spartz."
- Ford was the first openly gay member of the Indiana General Assembly when he was first elected in 2018.
In the 6th District, U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve survived a surprisingly close race against homeschool advocate Sarah Janisse Brown.
- His win sets up a rematch in November against Democratic candidate Cinde Wirth, who lost to Shreve by a wide margin in 2024.