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Early voting guide: Central Indiana congressional races

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

Election

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>

Indy road construction ramps up alongside resident frustration

Daily life in the Circle City is being disrupted as multiple projects hit their peak across the metro.

News

Indianapolis&#x27; 2026 road construction season is in full swing, promising safer streets and overdue infrastructure upgrades.Why it matters: That push for progress is disrupting daily life, detouring drivers and disrupting businesses in some of our most prominent neighborhoods as multiple projects reach their peak simultaneously across the metro.

More Hoosier girls are playing flag football as pro league assembles

Indiana is one of the states bringing more women and girls to the gridiron.

Girls flag football is growing rapidly across the U.S. — and Indiana is contributing to its rise.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sport&#x27;s expansion" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/17/more-women-are-playing-football" data-vars-content-id="14ffd165-a9a7-4fa3-b268-430a2b96e7a7" data-vars-headline="More Hoosier girls are playing flag football as pro league assembles" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/kansas-city/2026/03/17/more-women-are-playing-football" target="_self">sport&#x27;s expansion</a> across high school, college and pro levels creates new pathways for female athletes.

Indiana small businesses see growth as nationwide optimism falls

The national economy is signaling growing unease over rising inflation and the Iran war.

Indiana leaders are celebrating a strong start to 2026 for local entrepreneurs, even as economic stress weighs on small-business owners across the country.Why it matters: Falling optimism scores nationwide signal growing unease over rising inflation and the war in Iran, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

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.

Old News: James Baskett makes history amid controversy

Why you won't find the Indy native's award-winning performance on Disney+.

History

Seventy-eight years ago this month, Indianapolis native James Baskett made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Academy Award for his portrayal of Uncle Remus in Disney&#x27;s &quot;Song of the South.&quot;Yes, but: You won&#x27;t find the Arsenal Tech graduate&#x27;s controversial performance streaming on Disney+ because of the film&#x27;s problematic history.

Old News: The Dillinger Gang's deadly bank heist

John Dillinger and his gang's Midwestern crime spree hit Lake County on Jan. 15, 1934.

This week 92 years ago, Indianapolis&#x27; most notorious native son made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ludington-daily-news-john-dillinger/9506680/" data-vars-content-id="fa454b5c-5485-4fb6-8a1a-04d85d5e8d36" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Dillinger Gang&#x27;s deadly bank heist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ludington-daily-news-john-dillinger/9506680/" target="_blank">headlines</a> for leading a deadly bank robbery near the state line.Driving the (old) news: John Dillinger and his gang&#x27;s Midwestern crime spree hit Lake County on Jan. 15, 1934 when they hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="First National Bank branch in East Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.preserveindiana.com/pixpages/eastchicago/eastchicagobank.htm" data-vars-content-id="fa454b5c-5485-4fb6-8a1a-04d85d5e8d36" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Dillinger Gang&#x27;s deadly bank heist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.preserveindiana.com/pixpages/eastchicago/eastchicagobank.htm" target="_blank">First National Bank branch in East Chicago</a>.

Old News: Indiana becomes a state

Today, the Hoosier state turns 209 years young.

Happy Indiana Statehood Day!Why it matters: It&#x27;s the Hoosier State&#x27;s 209th birthday — Dec. 11 marks the day Indiana became the 19th state to join the Union in 1816. <ul><li>Break out the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sugar cream pie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/why-is-sugar-cream-pie-so-popular-in-indiana" data-vars-content-id="cd23ccbc-c716-4bda-90aa-2c3965ba48ff" data-vars-headline="Old News: Indiana becomes a state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/why-is-sugar-cream-pie-so-popular-in-indiana" target="_blank">sugar cream pie</a>.</li></ul>

A look at the first land sales in Indianapolis

People got their first shot at land ownership in Indianapolis 204 years ago today.

On this day 204 years ago, Indianapolis was buzzing as people gathered for an opportunity to buy land in the new state capital, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indiana Historical Bureau" data-vars-click-url="https://www.in.gov/history/files/tiharch-jun96.pdf" data-vars-content-id="f361542a-449c-4316-a146-bc97e8623331" data-vars-headline="A look at the first land sales in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.in.gov/history/files/tiharch-jun96.pdf" target="_blank">Indiana Historical Bureau</a>.<ul><li>The start of land sales here continued a big year for Indianapolis&#x27; establishment — 1821 began with the appointment of three commissioners to lay out the town and an agent to oversee the sale of lots.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Harrison" data-vars-click-url="https://www.johnhaycenter.org/index.php/our-history/people-of-history/indianas-1st-lt-governor-lived-on-the-salem-square" data-vars-content-id="f361542a-449c-4316-a146-bc97e8623331" data-vars-headline="A look at the first land sales in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.johnhaycenter.org/index.php/our-history/people-of-history/indianas-1st-lt-governor-lived-on-the-salem-square" target="_blank">Christopher Harrison</a>, James W. Jones and Samuel P. Booker were chosen as the commissioners and ordered to meet in April 1821 to get to work.</li></ul>

A look at when the Indiana State Fair moved to Indy for good

This week, we travel back to the Indiana State Fair setting up shop on East 38th Street in 1892.

While the Indiana State Fair has become the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ultimate summer staple" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/26/indiana-state-fair-attendance-rises&#x27;" data-vars-content-id="7d9d4e08-3223-4ff7-9105-8f73abc497de" data-vars-headline="A look at when the Indiana State Fair moved to Indy for good" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/26/indiana-state-fair-attendance-rises&#x27;" target="_self">ultimate summer staple</a>, the event moved to its iconic spot at 1202 E. 38th St. just in time to usher in autumn 133 years ago.Driving the (old) news: The state fair was held at its current location <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for the first time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159457132628416&amp;set=a.112125948415" data-vars-content-id="7d9d4e08-3223-4ff7-9105-8f73abc497de" data-vars-headline="A look at when the Indiana State Fair moved to Indy for good" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159457132628416&amp;set=a.112125948415" target="_blank">for the first time</a> on Sept. 19, 1892 when the Indiana State Fairgrounds &amp; Event Center opened to the public.

Old News: Crown Hill National Cemetery opens

On this day 159 years ago, Crown Hill National was established in Indy as the state's first national cemetery.

On this day 159 years ago, Crown Hill National Cemetery was established in Indianapolis as the state&#x27;s first national cemetery.Why it matters: The 1.4 acres of land set aside for Civil War internments and purchased by the federal government for $5,000 in 1866 has become a final resting place for thousands of veterans.

Indianapolis' most endangered landmark

Traders Point Covered Bridge is a rare survivor from a previous era.

Indiana Landmarks&#x27; latest list of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most endangered landmarks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianalandmarks.org/10-most-endangered/" data-vars-content-id="2ec8e801-2948-4de2-849e-36d843faf443" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; most endangered landmark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianalandmarks.org/10-most-endangered/" target="_blank">most endangered landmarks</a> includes an Indianapolis covered bridge that has staved off demolition and degradation for 145 years.Why it matters: The organization says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Traders Point Covered Bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianalandmarks.org/endangered-property/traders-point-covered-bridge/" data-vars-content-id="2ec8e801-2948-4de2-849e-36d843faf443" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; most endangered landmark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianalandmarks.org/endangered-property/traders-point-covered-bridge/" target="_blank">Traders Point Covered Bridge</a> and the nine other structures in need of saving are architectural treasures that tell our state&#x27;s story.

Old News: The sinking of the USS Indianapolis

Eighty years ago today, the USS Indianapolis went down in 12 minutes after being struck by two torpedoes from a Japanese submarine.

Eighty years ago today, the USS Indianapolis went down in 12 minutes after being struck by two torpedoes from a Japanese submarine.Why it matters: The attack on the cruiser, which was named in honor of our city, just after it delivered components used for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima remains one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Navy&#x27;s worst at-sea disasters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4251122/worst-navy-disaster-at-sea-led-to-safety-changes/" data-vars-content-id="99699e35-75c4-4693-a516-23093bf7067b" data-vars-headline="Old News: The sinking of the USS Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4251122/worst-navy-disaster-at-sea-led-to-safety-changes/" target="_blank">Navy&#x27;s worst at-sea disasters</a>.

Purdue's plan to find Amelia Earhart's plane

A research team is readying for a fall expedition to bring the adventurer's long-lost aircraft home.

<figure><img alt="Amelia Earhart and her plane" height="450" id="4ece62b0-d1f4-4395-b696-e78d3d6bdb01" src="https://images.axios.com/cDZfqjjO8f7mKOVuBPVh1z4sxxA=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/07/10/1752164016147.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>GIF: Courtesy of Purdue University Libraries/Purdue Research Foundation</figcaption></figure>A research team supported by Purdue University is spending its summer preparing for a fall expedition to bring Amelia Earhart&#x27;s long-lost aircraft home.Why it matters: The disappearance of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic Boilermaker" data-vars-click-url="https://stories.purdue.edu/amelia-earhart-aviator-legend-boilermaker/" data-vars-content-id="725478fc-3437-498a-a4dc-79bc4b657f09" data-vars-headline="Purdue&#x27;s plan to find Amelia Earhart&#x27;s plane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stories.purdue.edu/amelia-earhart-aviator-legend-boilermaker/" target="_blank">iconic Boilermaker</a> and her plane, the Electra, on July 2, 1937, remains one of the aviation world&#x27;s most captivating mysteries.