1-minute voter guide: Indiana's 4th and 6th Congressional Districts
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Familiar faces are populating central Indiana's congressional district races this fall.
Why it matters: Your representative does more than vote on legislation. Congressional offices can help constituents navigate federal agencies, resolve benefit issues and secure funding for local projects.
- That includes helping people access federal benefits, such as Social Security and Medicaid, fixing passport issues, and hosting job fairs.
State of play: Most of Indiana's congressional races are decided in the primary — due to a strong habit of straight-ticket voting favoring Republicans and districts drawn to benefit the GOP.
Zoom in: In the 4th District, stretching from Indy's western suburbs up to the Region, incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Baird (R) is facing Drew Cox, who won an eight-way race for the Democratic nomination.
- Baird is seeking his fifth term, where he says he'll continue "standing up for American agriculture, strengthening our military, securing our border and putting America First."
- Cox says he's running to get big money out of politics and promote policies to put young people first.
In the 6th District, which covers the southeast portion of Central Indiana, U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R) faces a rematch against Democratic candidate Cinde Wirth.
- Shreve, who ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Indianapolis before joining Congress in 2025, survived a surprisingly close primary race.
- Wirth, a former teacher, lost to Shreve by more than 30 points in 2024.
- While both have put affordability at the top of their agendas, Shreve's other priorities include securing the border, cutting government spending and supporting law enforcement and the military.
- Wirth's agenda focuses on working families, public education, health care access and the environment.
Between the lines: The Cook Political Report has both seats classified as "solid" for Republicans.
What's next: Early voting is underway and Election Day is Nov. 3.