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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.

Your weekend plans: Record Store Day, Earth Day and World Voice Day celebrations

Record Store Day is back and shops throughout Indianapolis are turning up the volume.

Things to Do

Record Store Day returns Saturday and shops throughout Indianapolis are turning up the volume with live music, giveaways and discounts.🎵 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luna Music" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lunamusic.net/" data-vars-content-id="fd0b8f85-39f1-44d8-b775-3704556f9a8a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Record Store Day, Earth Day and World Voice Day celebrations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lunamusic.net/" target="_blank">Luna Music</a> opens its doors at 8am with special releases, hot dogs from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weiner Dreams" data-vars-click-url="http://www.weinerdreams.com/" data-vars-content-id="fd0b8f85-39f1-44d8-b775-3704556f9a8a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Record Store Day, Earth Day and World Voice Day celebrations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.weinerdreams.com/" target="_blank">Weiner Dreams</a> and beer from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Circle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.blackcirclebrewing.com/loom" data-vars-content-id="fd0b8f85-39f1-44d8-b775-3704556f9a8a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Record Store Day, Earth Day and World Voice Day celebrations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.blackcirclebrewing.com/loom" target="_blank">Black Circle</a>.

Four ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in Indianapolis

30th anniversary of the nationwide celebration is underway.

It&#x27;s the 30th anniversary of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Poetry Month" data-vars-click-url="https://poets.org/national-poetry-month-30th-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="2c218d77-7ee0-4dd6-a34a-22da8e03cc29" data-vars-headline="Four ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://poets.org/national-poetry-month-30th-anniversary" target="_blank">National Poetry Month</a>, and Indianapolis is full of opportunities to both observe and take part in the celebration.The big picture: Established by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Academy of American Poets" data-vars-click-url="https://poets.org/" data-vars-content-id="2c218d77-7ee0-4dd6-a34a-22da8e03cc29" data-vars-headline="Four ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://poets.org/" target="_blank">Academy of American Poets</a> in 1996, National Poetry Month recognizes poets&#x27; role in our culture and delivers the message that poetry matters.

Your weekend plans: Opera Center Music Fest, Jurassic Quest, Indiana Bridal Show and more

Enjoy two afternoons of free live music, dance classes and theater in Meridian-Kessler.

Enjoy two afternoons of free live music, dance classes and hands-on arts experiences in Indy&#x27;s historic Meridian-Kessler neighborhood.Driving the news: The all-ages <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Basile Opera Center Music Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://indianapolisopera.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F38196" data-vars-content-id="4fc2b69c-c930-4dc9-90da-98607e3efb76" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Opera Center Music Fest, Jurassic Quest, Indiana Bridal Show and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indianapolisopera.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F38196" target="_blank">Basile Opera Center Music Fest</a> goes down this weekend with a slate of Family Day events from 12-4pm Saturday, and a performance showcase from 2-5pm Sunday.

Art & Soul returns for year 30

Indy Arts Council's largest public program is back for another celebration of Black art.

Indy Arts Council&#x27;s largest public program is back for another celebration of Black creativity.Why it matters: For the past 30 years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art &amp; Soul" data-vars-click-url="https://indyarts.org/programs/art-soul/" data-vars-content-id="f7363c01-836c-4772-943c-c2e11e23adb6" data-vars-headline="Art &amp; Soul returns for year 30" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indyarts.org/programs/art-soul/" target="_blank">Art &amp; Soul</a> has given local creators of color the opportunity to share their talent with the entire city.

Your weekend plans: 13 ways to celebrate Easter in Indy

The Indianapolis area is full of ways to celebrate from brunch specials to Easter Bunny hang sessions.

Easter weekend is here, and the Indianapolis area is full of ways to celebrate, from brunch specials to Easter Bunny hang sessions.📷 Get a photo with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter Bunny at Castleton Square Mall" data-vars-click-url="https://whereisbunny.com/mall/1351?utm_campaign=hp-castleton-square-mall&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=website-simon" data-vars-content-id="2aa548af-4676-4841-8129-fbccb9e1d1ed" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: 13 ways to celebrate Easter in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whereisbunny.com/mall/1351?utm_campaign=hp-castleton-square-mall&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=website-simon" target="_blank">Easter Bunny at Castleton Square Mall</a>, 11am-7pm Friday and 10am-9pm Saturday.

Your complete guide to the 2026 Final Four and more in Indianapolis

Indy's biggest basketball weekend of 2026 tips off Thursday night.

Sports

Indianapolis&#x27; biggest basketball weekend of 2026 tips off Thursday.Why it matters: Tens of thousands of fans are expected to participate in programming centered around several different tournaments.

Your weekend plans: Indiana Artisan Marketplace, Easter Begg Hunt, Jerry Lee Atwood exhibit and more

Discover art and food handcrafted in the Hoosier state this weekend during the 14th annual Indiana Artisan Marketplace.

Discover art and food handcrafted in the Hoosier state this weekend during the 14th annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indiana Artisan Marketplace" data-vars-click-url="https://indianaartisan.org/marketplace/" data-vars-content-id="157d4e83-ad6c-48f0-87db-1faf9a061723" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Indiana Artisan Marketplace, Easter Begg Hunt, Jerry Lee Atwood exhibit and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indianaartisan.org/marketplace/" target="_blank">Indiana Artisan Marketplace</a>.Driving the news: Considered a kickoff to the state&#x27;s art fair season, the marketplace features goods from more than 100 creatives from all regions of Indiana.

Indy police prepare to protect homecourt during NCAA Final Four

Tens of thousands of college basketball fans will be kicking it in Indy next week.

Expect a significant police presence and multiple downtown road detours when the 2026 NCAA Men&#x27;s Final Four arrives in Indianapolis next week.Why it matters: More than 70,000 people are expected to take part in the college basketball extravaganza each day it&#x27;s in town, meaning an increased chance of interactions among attendees that could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escalate to violence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE5S3gvEe-4" data-vars-content-id="267c9b07-f4f5-4ddc-aad3-aa875bcff3b2" data-vars-headline="Indy police prepare to protect homecourt during NCAA Final Four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE5S3gvEe-4" target="_blank">escalate to violence</a>.

Meet the maker: The creators behind Swish 2026

Indy's Final Four festivities will include a slate of creator-powered special events.

Indy&#x27;s Final Four festivities will include a slate of creator-powered special events backed by some of the city&#x27;s most influential arts and culture organizations.The inspo: The Swish 2026 festival is a free immersive experience that will spread across downtown Indy next weekend with the help of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Forty5 Presents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.forty5.com/about" data-vars-content-id="b72b7ff3-cda4-4596-a658-7fb7af998dab" data-vars-headline="Meet the maker: The creators behind Swish 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.forty5.com/about" target="_blank">Forty5 Presents</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="GANGGANG" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/13/ganggang-artists-culture-whats-next" data-vars-content-id="b72b7ff3-cda4-4596-a658-7fb7af998dab" data-vars-headline="Meet the maker: The creators behind Swish 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/13/ganggang-artists-culture-whats-next" target="_self">GANGGANG</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Epicurean Indy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.epicureanindy.com/" data-vars-content-id="b72b7ff3-cda4-4596-a658-7fb7af998dab" data-vars-headline="Meet the maker: The creators behind Swish 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.epicureanindy.com/" target="_blank">Epicurean Indy</a> and others.

100 concerts to see in Indianapolis this spring

From stadium takeovers to intimate indie shows, Indy's 2026 spring concert season is stacked.

From stadium-sized country takeovers to intimate indie shows, Indianapolis has a stacked spring concert season in 2026.Why it matters: Some of the hottest names in entertainment are making stops in the Circle City soon, but an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="active local music scene makes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/28/live-music-venues-concerts-indianapolis" data-vars-content-id="40382b1e-03d0-4a01-9728-32d5154b5b0e" data-vars-headline="100 concerts to see in Indianapolis this spring" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/28/live-music-venues-concerts-indianapolis" target="_self">active local music scene makes</a> it hard to keep track of every show.

Things to Do 🗓

Your weekend plans: Record Store Day, Earth Day and World Voice Day celebrations

Four ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in Indianapolis

Your weekend plans: Opera Center Music Fest, Jurassic Quest, Indiana Bridal Show and more

Art & Soul returns for year 30

Your weekend plans: 13 ways to celebrate Easter in Indy