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The good, bad and ugly of the 2026 Indianapolis 500

The highs, lows and everything in between from the 110th running.

Sports

The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 had it all — joy, sorrow and the closest finish in race history.Driving the news: Felix Rosenqvist overtook David Malukas on the backstretch after a chaotic restart to finish the race with one final green flag lap.

'Burb Bites: Fishers' new e-bike rules

News from around the region includes an e-bike ban, a demolition plan and the best cities in the Hoosier state.

News

This week&#x27;s news from around the region includes an e-bike ban, a demolition plan and the best cities in the Hoosier state.🚲 The Fishers City Council <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unanimously approved" data-vars-click-url="https://fishersin.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1440/files/agenda/2588" data-vars-content-id="a596b505-a61f-4596-8179-79f0de08f7e9" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Fishers&#x27; new e-bike rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fishersin.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1440/files/agenda/2588" target="_blank">unanimously approved</a> an expansion of the city&#x27;s electric-powered vehicle ordinance last week <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="after police raised concerns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/fisherspolice/posts/pfbid02WsBrKHZnTRYYwmqyDKtjTBRVH8LEy43R458PoVei12YdmLmnGhdX8Rb3rAT6udmgl?__cft__[0]=AZalkwsyaWLLXBv9Bi5l6HGJFwF1wtzjqAYwLdD7Fw2D3-OVR6Z9h7alAmQKVzHL55bjuPzAg1lQLPO2TJP27vdVT171a9YhP6a473n6ng6Bh6ZyOTACC34EzpSO77YCKxMJ4o4ZKedvvHco0nwYMPc3s8jiWqQiheg6BCJ9KypNtg&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R" data-vars-content-id="a596b505-a61f-4596-8179-79f0de08f7e9" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Fishers&#x27; new e-bike rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/fisherspolice/posts/pfbid02WsBrKHZnTRYYwmqyDKtjTBRVH8LEy43R458PoVei12YdmLmnGhdX8Rb3rAT6udmgl?__cft__[0]=AZalkwsyaWLLXBv9Bi5l6HGJFwF1wtzjqAYwLdD7Fw2D3-OVR6Z9h7alAmQKVzHL55bjuPzAg1lQLPO2TJP27vdVT171a9YhP6a473n6ng6Bh6ZyOTACC34EzpSO77YCKxMJ4o4ZKedvvHco0nwYMPc3s8jiWqQiheg6BCJ9KypNtg&amp;__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R" target="_blank">after police raised concerns</a> about unsafe driving throughout the community.

Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts

Summer is nearly here — and so is tick season.Why it matters: Tick bites can make people seriously ill.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tick bites" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/05/ticks-lyme-disease-removal" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/05/ticks-lyme-disease-removal" target="_self">Tick bites</a> are sending a record rate of people to the ER for this time of year, according to new CDC data.<ul><li>Preliminary <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CDC data" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/45807072.73/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi90aWNrcy9kYXRhLXJlc2VhcmNoL2ZhY3RzLXN0YXRzL3RpY2stYml0ZS1kYXRhLXRyYWNrZXIuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/6000782188cdd8159c5b680eC6b5e6b55" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/45807072.73/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2RjLmdvdi90aWNrcy9kYXRhLXJlc2VhcmNoL2ZhY3RzLXN0YXRzL3RpY2stYml0ZS1kYXRhLXRyYWNrZXIuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/6000782188cdd8159c5b680eC6b5e6b55" target="_self">CDC data</a> show that tick bites in the Midwest region nearly doubled year over year, rising from 70 per 100,000 ER visits in April 2025 to 137.</li><li>The Indiana Department of Health is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="urging Hoosiers to take precautions" data-vars-click-url="https://events.in.gov/event/idoh-release-hoosiers-urged-to-take-precautions-against-tick-borne-disease-as-risk-increases-with-warmer-weather" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://events.in.gov/event/idoh-release-hoosiers-urged-to-take-precautions-against-tick-borne-disease-as-risk-increases-with-warmer-weather" target="_blank">urging Hoosiers to take precautions</a>, particularly after a new tick-borne virus was identified in the state last year. </li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Hoosiers who work outdoors or spend time enjoying outdoor activities are at increased risk for tick bites and tick-borne diseases,&quot; state public health veterinarian Jen Brown said. <ul><li>Heartland virus — identified in ticks and at least one human last year — can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, headache, nausea and diarrhea. </li><li>Unlike many other tick-borne diseases, Heartland virus is not treatable with antibiotics, making prevention important.</li></ul>By the numbers: An estimated 31 million Americans are bitten by a tick each year, and roughly 476,000 are treated for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lyme disease" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/lyme-disease-symptoms-treatment" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/04/lyme-disease-symptoms-treatment" target="_self">Lyme disease</a> alone, per the CDC.<ul><li>April saw 104 ER visits for tick bites per 100,000 total ER visits — up from 68 in April 2025, according to preliminary data from the CDC&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tick Bite Tracker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/data-research/facts-stats/tick-bite-data-tracker.html" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/data-research/facts-stats/tick-bite-data-tracker.html" target="_blank">Tick Bite Tracker</a>.</li><li>In all regions except for the south-central region of the U.S. — where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="blacklegged ticks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/01/be-prepared-this-tick-season-in-michigan" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/05/01/be-prepared-this-tick-season-in-michigan" target="_self">blacklegged ticks</a> are less common — weekly rates of ER visits for tick bites are the highest for this time of year since 2017, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="CDC reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026/2026-cdc-data-show-weekly-er-visits-for-tick-bites-higher-than-usual.html" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2026/2026-cdc-data-show-weekly-er-visits-for-tick-bites-higher-than-usual.html" target="_blank">CDC reports</a>.</li></ul>💭 Arika&#x27;s thought bubble: Ticks are seriously no joke this year. <ul><li>I pulled at least half a dozen ticks off my dog and several off myself during a camping trip in northwest Indiana several weeks ago. </li></ul>Between the lines: Lyme is the most common tick-borne illness in the U.S., but ticks also spread other serious diseases, including <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rocky Mountain spotted fever" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever/about/index.html" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/rocky-mountain-spotted-fever/about/index.html" target="_blank">Rocky Mountain spotted fever</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alpha-gal syndrome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cdc.gov/alpha-gal-syndrome/about/" target="_blank">alpha-gal syndrome</a>.Reality check: Most tick bites don&#x27;t require emergency care. To prevent tick bites, the CDC recommends:<ul><li>Wearing EPA-registered insect repellent and permethrin-treated clothing outdoors.</li><li>Doing a tick check after being outside — ticks like leaf litter, tall grass, and wooded areas.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Removing attached ticks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/05/ticks-lyme-disease-removal" data-vars-content-id="03e6a10e-7806-49c7-b658-a7957757598f" data-vars-headline="Tick bites surging in Indiana, Midwest as summer starts" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/05/ticks-lyme-disease-removal" target="_self">Removing attached ticks</a> ideally within 24 hours, and watching for a rash or fever in the days or weeks after a bite. See a doctor promptly if either appears.</li></ul>

Help pick the new Indiana Fever practice facility mural

Three artists need your votes for the chance at having their work immortalized downtown.

The Indiana Fever want you to pick which Hoosier artist will have their work immortalized on the side of their new $78 million <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sports Performance Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/09/look-inside-the-indiana-fevers-new-practice-facility" data-vars-content-id="aabe1659-ee42-4c5e-85e5-8af20ad3b54c" data-vars-headline="Help pick the new Indiana Fever practice facility mural" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/09/look-inside-the-indiana-fevers-new-practice-facility" target="_self">Sports Performance Center</a>.Driving the news: The Indy Arts Council, in collaboration with the Fever and Pacers Sports &amp; Entertainment, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on Wednesday announced" data-vars-click-url="https://fever.wnba.com/news/indiana-fever-sports-performance-center-mural-design-underway?fbclid=IwY2xjawSEG99leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFuVHJ3aHNNMzVuNHNCT1U3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHktrQ9_7hV_v1yuL60OQlXICjwUWsGfmp3XRZ9CbK1Mqfn7Y9WbCmJ3X4TT2_aem_3XiC0tY0y6I1hPP8_ArNng" data-vars-content-id="aabe1659-ee42-4c5e-85e5-8af20ad3b54c" data-vars-headline="Help pick the new Indiana Fever practice facility mural" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fever.wnba.com/news/indiana-fever-sports-performance-center-mural-design-underway?fbclid=IwY2xjawSEG99leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFuVHJ3aHNNMzVuNHNCT1U3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHktrQ9_7hV_v1yuL60OQlXICjwUWsGfmp3XRZ9CbK1Mqfn7Y9WbCmJ3X4TT2_aem_3XiC0tY0y6I1hPP8_ArNng" target="_blank">on Wednesday announced</a> a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public survey" data-vars-click-url="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IFSPC" data-vars-content-id="aabe1659-ee42-4c5e-85e5-8af20ad3b54c" data-vars-headline="Help pick the new Indiana Fever practice facility mural" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/IFSPC" target="_blank">public survey</a> to select the artist that will hand paint a 40-foot-tall mural on the facility&#x27;s north exterior wall.

Kelvis Williams wins Marion County sheriff's race

Without a lot to vote for, turn out was low for Tuesday's Marion County primary.

Election

Kelvis Williams is Marion County&#x27;s presumptive next sheriff.Why it matters: Williams, who campaigned with current sheriff Kerry Forestal, has signaled he plans to lead with continuity.<ul><li>He&#x27;ll have to contend with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfyi.org/wfyi-news/2026-03-04/marion-county-jail-immigration-data-ice-arrests-2025" data-vars-content-id="00e6ad3a-9e4f-4a4f-b8d6-1d9d4f3e477f" data-vars-headline="Kelvis Williams wins Marion County sheriff&#x27;s race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfyi.org/wfyi-news/2026-03-04/marion-county-jail-immigration-data-ice-arrests-2025" target="_blank">ongoing pressure</a> from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions.</li></ul>

GOP incumbents fall to Trump-endorsed challengers in Indiana

The losers casualties of President Trump's retribution campaign against GOP senators who blocked redistricting.

Several incumbent GOP senators lost their re-election bids Tuesday, falling to Trump-endorsed challengers in districts across the Hoosier state.The big picture: Their defeats underscore the political risk facing Republicans <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who opposed" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/15/indiana-senate-republicans-reelection-voted-against-redistricting" data-vars-content-id="d430e00c-4c12-4c6c-9feb-77ae90bd73e1" data-vars-headline="GOP incumbents fall to Trump-endorsed challengers in Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/15/indiana-senate-republicans-reelection-voted-against-redistricting" target="_self">who opposed</a> President Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="push to redraw" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/11/indiana-senate-rejects-trump-redistricting" data-vars-content-id="d430e00c-4c12-4c6c-9feb-77ae90bd73e1" data-vars-headline="GOP incumbents fall to Trump-endorsed challengers in Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/11/indiana-senate-rejects-trump-redistricting" target="_self">push to redraw</a> Indiana&#x27;s congressional districts.

Rep. André Carson sails through primary challenge

The Indianapolis Democrat is expected to win his 10th term in Congress.

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 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the trend of ousting veteran lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/texas-results-senate-midterms-primary" data-vars-content-id="a5cc4f79-2a82-4e19-bb81-1422b2896e11" data-vars-headline="Rep. André Carson sails through primary challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/texas-results-senate-midterms-primary" target="_self">the trend of ousting veteran lawmakers</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seen in earlier primaries in other states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/04/the-results-are-in-sort-of" data-vars-content-id="a5cc4f79-2a82-4e19-bb81-1422b2896e11" data-vars-headline="Rep. André Carson sails through primary challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/04/the-results-are-in-sort-of" target="_self">seen in earlier primaries in other states</a>.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.<ul><li>With 97% of precincts reporting, Carson secured nearly two-thirds of the vote, according to the Associated Press. </li><li>Carson will face Patrick McAuley, the winner of the Republican primary, in November. In this Democratic stronghold, Carson is expected to win easily.</li></ul>&quot;I never take anything for granted,&quot; Carson said in a statement, &quot;and I&#x27;m proud of the work we put into this race.&quot;State of play: Other incumbents similarly sailed through their primary races, a break from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the trend of ousting veteran lawmakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/texas-results-senate-midterms-primary" data-vars-content-id="a5cc4f79-2a82-4e19-bb81-1422b2896e11" data-vars-headline="Rep. André Carson sails through primary challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/04/texas-results-senate-midterms-primary" target="_self">the trend of ousting veteran lawmakers</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seen in earlier primaries in other states" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/04/the-results-are-in-sort-of" data-vars-content-id="a5cc4f79-2a82-4e19-bb81-1422b2896e11" data-vars-headline="Rep. André Carson sails through primary challenge" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/raleigh/2026/03/04/the-results-are-in-sort-of" target="_self">seen in earlier primaries in other states</a>.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.<ul><li>&quot;I&#x27;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,&quot; Baird said in a statement.</li><li>He&#x27;ll face Drew Cox, who won an eight-way race for the Democratic nomination with 30% of the vote. </li></ul>In the 5th District, incumbent U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, seeking a fourth term, won her primary challenge over Scott King.<ul><li>She was up 20 points with 98% of precincts reporting, according to the Associated Press. </li><li>State Sen. J.D. Ford beat six challengers for the Democratic nomination, setting up a General Election race to watch.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;State Senator J.D. Ford will put Indiana&#x27;s 5th District into the national spotlight,&quot; Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian said in a statement. &quot;We will unseat Victoria Spartz.&quot;<ul><li>Ford was the first openly gay member of the Indiana General Assembly when he was first elected in 2018. </li></ul>In the 6th District, U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve survived a surprisingly close race against homeschool advocate Sarah Janisse Brown. <ul><li>His win sets up a rematch in November against Democratic candidate Cinde Wirth, who lost to Shreve by a wide margin in 2024.</li></ul>

What to know about Tuesday's primary election in Indianapolis

Indianapolis will vote for sheriff, and across the state, voters will pick candidates for the Legislature and Congress.

It&#x27;s primary Election Day in Indiana, when Indianapolis will vote for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sheriff," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/16/early-voting-guide-marion-county-races-sheriff-clerk" data-vars-content-id="5d7144e9-97d7-469d-b33b-2a1ebbbb2290" data-vars-headline="What to know about Tuesday&#x27;s primary election in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/16/early-voting-guide-marion-county-races-sheriff-clerk" target="_self">sheriff,</a> and across the state, voters will choose candidates for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state Legislature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/14/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-senate-races" data-vars-content-id="5d7144e9-97d7-469d-b33b-2a1ebbbb2290" data-vars-headline="What to know about Tuesday&#x27;s primary election in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/14/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-senate-races" target="_self">state Legislature</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Congress" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/13/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-congressional-races" data-vars-content-id="5d7144e9-97d7-469d-b33b-2a1ebbbb2290" data-vars-headline="What to know about Tuesday&#x27;s primary election in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/13/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-congressional-races" target="_self">Congress</a>.Why it matters: In many districts, today&#x27;s primary effectively decides the winner before November.

Early voting guide: What to know about Indiana state delegates

This obscure position has some important duties.

At the bottom of your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary ballot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/13/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-congressional-races" data-vars-content-id="3e59cd48-c424-40cd-aa2a-de9a87a914c2" data-vars-headline="Early voting guide: What to know about Indiana state delegates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/13/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-congressional-races" target="_self">primary ballot</a> is an obscure position — state delegate.Why it matters: These are your local representatives to each party&#x27;s state convention. <ul><li>They&#x27;ll vote along with the party&#x27;s platform on the candidates for secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller, shaping the future of Indiana politics and policy.</li></ul>

Early voting guide: Marion County races

Local races often have the biggest impact on daily life.

Marion County voters will decide several key races during the primary election. Why it matters: In Democratic-dominated Indianapolis, the primary will likely decide who holds key offices — especially sheriff and clerk.

Early voting guide: Indianapolis-area House races

Several long-serving Democrats are facing primary challengers.

Several local officeholders are looking to unseat one of the House Democrats&#x27; longest-serving members.Why it matters: The winner of the primary to represent Lawrence at the Statehouse will most likely be uncontested in November, so your chance to weigh in is now.

Early voting guide: Central Indiana Senate races

Four central Indiana Senate seats are on the ballot.

Half of Indiana&#x27;s Senate seats are on the ballot this year — including four compelling races in Central Indiana. State of play: Early voting is underway for the May primary as we <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="break down key races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/13/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-congressional-races" data-vars-content-id="41a1f747-bfe7-46cd-93e7-2bdf68c79656" data-vars-headline="Early voting guide: Central Indiana Senate races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/13/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-congressional-races" target="_self">break down key races</a> on your ballot.

Early voting guide: Central Indiana congressional races

Crowded primary races are where we'll see the most contentious fights.

Early voting for the May primary election has started, so there&#x27;s no time like the present to learn what&#x27;s on your ballot.Why it matters: Primaries typically see lower turnout than general elections, even though they&#x27;re often where the more contentious races take place.State of play: Early voting has begun in Marion County at the City-County Building, with more locations opening on April 25.<ul><li>Indiana has an open primary, which means voters can choose a Democratic or Republican ballot without registering as a member of that party.</li></ul>Zoom in: We&#x27;re breaking down what&#x27;s on your ballot this week — starting with congressional races.<ul><li>The secretary of state race tops the ticket this year, but primary voters won&#x27;t weigh in — parties choose those candidates at conventions.</li></ul>Why they matter: Party control in these districts is unlikely to flip, so the most meaningful competition is happening now.<ul><li>Aside from responsibilities like filing legislation and voting on bills, there&#x27;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.</li><li>Constituent services include things such as helping folks access federal benefits like Social Security and Medicaid, assisting with passport issues and hosting job fairs.</li></ul>4th District: A crowded primary field is testing the strength of 80-year-old incumbent U.S. Rep. Jim Baird.<ul><li>On the Republican side, Baird is seeking the Republican nomination for the fifth time as state Rep. Craig Haggard is mounting a stiff challenge, alongside John Piper.</li><li>The eight Democrats on the ballot are Drew Cox, Roger D. Day, Darin Patrick Griesey, Thomas D. Hall Jr., Joe Mackey, Jayden McCash, Paul McPherson and John Phillip Whetstone.</li></ul>5th District: While this district was redrawn after the 2020 census to be safer for Republicans, it could be closer than the last few cycles. <ul><li>Incumbent U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz is seeking a fourth term after winning reelection in 2024. She&#x27;s expected to win her primary challenge over Scott A. King.</li><li>State Sen. J.D. Ford, the first openly gay member of the Indiana General Assembly, is leading a pack of seven Democratic candidates: Steven Avit, Jackson Franklin, Phil Goss, Dylan McKenna, Tara Nelson, and Deborah Pickett, whom Spartz beat in the 2024 general election.</li></ul>6th District: A potential rematch is taking shape after a lopsided result in 2024.<ul><li>Incumbent U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve is seeking a second term, being challenged in the Republican primary by homeschool advocate Sarah Janisse Brown.</li><li>Cinde Wirth, who won the Democratic primary in 2024 but lost by a wide margin in the general election, is trying again. Her primary challengers are William Amyx, Nicholas Baker and David Boyd.</li></ul>7th District: Nine-term incumbent U.S. Rep. André Carson faces his <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="toughest primary test" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/16/george-hornedo-andre-carson-7th-district" data-vars-content-id="ff3e0d76-4b5b-4235-b43d-8a410c95790e" data-vars-headline="Early voting guide: Central Indiana congressional races" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/16/george-hornedo-andre-carson-7th-district" target="_self">toughest primary test</a> in nearly two decades, as a wave of challengers looks to shake up long-held seats. <ul><li>Destiny Wells, who ran unsuccessfully for attorney general in 2024 and secretary of state in 2022, George Hornedo and Denise Paul Hatch are challenging Carson in the primary. </li><li>While the seat is considered safe for Democrats, two Republicans — Patrick McAuley and Felipe Rios — are vying for a spot on the November ballot.</li></ul>If you go: Early voting hours are 8am–5pm on weekdays through April 24. They&#x27;ll extend to 6pm from April 27–May 1.<ul><li>Weekend hours at 11am–6pm.</li><li>The final day to vote early is Monday, May 4. Voting that day is open from 8am–noon.</li><li>Election Day is May 5.</li></ul>

Old News: Marion County's first election

The county's first clerk, recorder, associate judges and commissioners were elected 204 years ago today.

On this day 204 years ago, more than 300 people hit the polls for Marion County&#x27;s first election.Driving the (old) news: On April 1, 1822, Hoosiers elected the county&#x27;s first clerk, recorder, associate judges and commissioners from a pool of 32 candidates.

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Early voting guide: What to know about Indiana state delegates