Indiana voters to decide compeititive congressional primary races Tuesday

By Andrew Rice
The Center Square

Indiana voters head to the polls Tuesday to elect party representatives in several competitive primary races.

Across the Hoosier state, local political figures are seeking to oust representatives in the U.S. House. Here are some of the most competitive primary races throughout the state.

District 4

U.S. Rep. Jim Baird, R-Ind., is seeking a fifth term in office to represent Indiana’s fourth congressional district. Baird, first elected in 2018, has been endorsed by President Donald Trump.

“Congressman Jim Baird is a Tremendous Champion for the Great People of Indiana’s 4th Congressional District!” Trump wrote on social media.

In previous cycles, Baird has comfortably won the Republican primary and gone on to win the general election. However, this year, state Rep. Craig Haggard is mounting a primary challenge against the incumbent.

Haggard has focused his campaign on reducing the national debt and advancing causes for military service members. He was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2022.

“He is not afraid to break ranks and vote against legislation that works to increase taxes,” Haggard wrote in Ballotpedia’s candidate connection survey.

Haggard also said he would advocate for the Second Amendment and work to advance constitutional protections for gun rights, if elected.

Baird has focused his campaign on his experience in the position as a representative in Congress. He also said he would continue to advocate for Trump’s agenda if reelected.

“I will continue working with President Trump to deliver results for Hoosiers, grow our economy, stand up for American agriculture, strengthen our military, secure our border and put America first,” Baird said.

The primary is likely to be the toughest race Baird has faced in his career in the U.S. House, analysts say. The most recent filing data from the Federal Elections Commission found Baird raised $139,000 and spent $172,000 in the race and Haggard raised $99,000 and spent $43,000.

A slew of Democrats are also competing for the party’s nomination in the historically Republican-held district.

District 5

In yet another challenge to an incumbent, U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, R-Ind., will face off against fellow Republican Scott King. Spartz is seeking a fourth term against King, who previously sought the seat.

Spartz is coming off a narrow primary win in 2024, where she took 39% of the vote, with her next closest competitor, Chuck Goodrich, obtaining 33% of the vote.

President Donald Trump also endorsed Spartz in the 5th district race. Spartz has called for Congress to help implement Trump’s agenda and stop furthering the national debt.

“The swamp will be back in business in four years if not drained through the law,” Spartz said shortly after Trump’s 2024 election victory. “Congress cannot fail President Trump and the American people again.”

King, an army veteran, said he plans to bring a more pragmatic and transparent approach to government.

“When I first get to Washington I will start weekly VLOGs to inform my constituents back in my beautiful Home State of Indiana. It is important to show as much transparency as possible,” King wrote in Ballotpedia’s candidate connection survey.

District 7

Indiana’s seventh congressional district, which includes all of Indianapolis and surrounding area, will see fierce competition for the Democratic nomination.

Incumbent Rep. André Carson, 51, faces a tough primary challenge from three Democrats to secure the party’s nomination for November general election.

Carson has focused his campaign on expanding access to early childhood education and pushing back on the Trump administration’s dismantling of the federal Education Department. He called for raising teacher pay, and reducing barriers to entry for teacher’s licenses.

“Investing in teachers means investing in students, and I will continue to advocate for policies that support educators and improve learning outcomes,” Carson said.

Denise Paul Hatch, George Hornedo and Destiny Scott Wells are all challenging Carson for the Democratic nomination.

Hornedo, a former U.S. Department of Justice official during the Obama administration, criticized Carson as “one of the least effective members of Congress,” according to the Center for Effective Lawmaking.

Hornedo called for better political infrastructure within Indiana to get more Democrats elected.

“Indianapolis deserves stronger, more accountable representation – someone who can do more for the people who live here,” Hornedo said.

Other races

Hoosier state voters will also head to the polls on Tuesday to elect party representatives in the Indiana Senate and House of Representatives. There are 25 seats open for election in the Indiana Senate and all 100 seats are up for election in the Indiana House of Represenatives.

State senators are elected to four year terms in Indiana while state representatives are elected for two year terms. Indiana has a Republican trifecta, which means the GOP controls the state House, Senate and governors office.

In the Indiana Senate, 40 seats are controlled by Republicans. The GOP controls 70 seats in the Indiana House.

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.