1-minute voter guide: Indiana's 7th Congressional District
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Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
Indiana's 7th Congressional District remains unchanged after the state's failed redistricting effort — as does as its status as a blue dot in deep red Indiana.
Why it matters: The Democratic stronghold, which covers most of Indianapolis, has been held by a member of the Carson family for nearly 30 years.
The big picture: Aside from responsibilities including filing legislation and voting on bills, there's a lot of latitude in what your congressional representative may (or may not) do for you — from constituent services to securing federal funding for local projects.
- That includes helping access federal benefits including Social Security and Medicaid, fixing passport problems and hosting job fairs.
State of play: Downtown Indianapolis has been represented by a Democrat in Congress since 1975. That's been U.S. Rep. André Carson since 2008.
- In the primary, Carson sailed through what was expected to be the toughest challenge of his nearly two decades in office and is projected to easily win the general election.
- Carson's campaign says he'll continue to focus on bringing federal dollars back to Indy for infrastructure and community projects.
- Before Carson took office in 2008, the seat was held for a decade by his grandmother, Julia Carson.
Political newcomer Patrick McAuley, a former Senate intern, is the GOP challenger.
- The North Central High School and Wabash College graduate says he's focused on public safety and housing.
What's next: Early voting is underway and Election Day is Nov. 3.
- In Marion County, early voting is held at the City-County Building weekdays from 8am to 5pm.
- Weekend voting, from 11am to 6pm, begins Saturday, Oct. 24, with eight additional early voting centers opening that day.