Ford flips 5th District, defeats incumbent Spartz
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J.D. Ford speaks to supporters at Sun King Fishers after his win over Victoria Spartz. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios
J.D. Ford flipped Indiana's 5th Congressional District from red to blue, defeating U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-Ind.) in her bid for a fourth term.
Why it matters: The blue wave washed over the Hoosier state Tuesday night for the first time in more than a decade.
The big picture: While the 5th District has generally been considered a solidly Republican seat, ratings agencies predicted a closer-than-usual race but still gave the advantage to Spartz.
- With the flip in Indiana and several other key states, Democrats completed the sweep to take control of both chambers of Congress.
State of play: Spartz had become a controversial candidate, with concerns about the treatment of her staff, campaign spending and antipathy toward the office she held.
- Ford, Indiana's first openly gay state senator, ran a campaign on lowering health care costs, supporting working families and being a Democratic check in Congress.
By the numbers: Ford won with nearly 52% of the vote, according to the Associated Press, with nearly all precincts reporting.
What he's saying: "Tonight, all across America, we are taking back our power and we are taking back our voices. And more importantly, we are taking back our country," Ford said while flanked by cheering supporters at a watch party at Sun King Fishers.
- "But the fight doesn't end tonight," he continued. "I'm going to go to Congress to take on the big utilities that have been driving up the rates. I'm going to Congress to fight the president that treats our economy like a game ... making your groceries and your gas bills even higher."
- "I will never forget where I came from. I will never put special interests ahead of the people of this district."
Zoom out: Around the rest of the state, it was a night for the incumbents. According to unofficial election results:
- Rep. Frank Mrvan (D-Ind.) won reelection in the 1st District over Republican Barb Regnitz.
- Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-Ind.) won his reelection bid in the 2nd District, beating out Democratic Jamie Decio and Independent William Henry.
- Rep. Marlin Stutzman (R-Ind.) won reelection in the 3rd District over Democrat Kelly Thompson.
- Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.) won reelection in the 4th District over Democrat Drew Cox.
- Rep. Jefferson Shreve (R-Ind.) won reelection in the 6th District over Democrat Cinde Wirth.
- Rep. Andre Carson (D-Ind.) won reelection in the 7th District, beating Republican Patrick McAuley and Independent James Sceniak.
- Rep. Mark Messmer (R-Ind.) won reelection in the 8th District over Democrat Mary Allen.
- Rep. Erin Houchin (R.Ind) won reelection in the 9th District, beating out Democrat Brad Meyer and Independent Tonya Hudson.
What we're watching: Races around the country are still being counted and will determine how much of a check on President Trump's power Democrats have next year.