Incumbents survive Indiana U.S. House challenges

By Andrew Rice
The Center Square

Incumbent U.S. House candidates from Indiana held on to party nominations Tuesday, despite intense pressure from challengers.

District 4

Rep. Jim Baird survived a primary challenge from popular State Rep. Craig Haggard. Baird is running for his fifth term in the Hoosier state’s fourth congressional district.

This year, Haggard appeared to pose a consequential threat to Baird’s nomination. President Donald Trump endorsed Baird in his reelection bid.

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

Even still, data from the Federal Elections Bureau showed Baird spent $172,000, compared to Haggard’s $43,000. Haggard portrayed himself as loyal to Trump, but called for an alternative to Baird.

“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.

District 5

U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz fended off a primary challenge from Scott King. Spartz is seeking her fourth term. King had previously sought the seat.

Trump endorsed Spartz, setting up a challenge against Indiana State Sen. J.D. Ford, who secured the Democratic nomination.

Spartz has advocated for reducing the national debt and reforming federal agencies. Ford criticized Spartz for her support of Trump and called for the end of tariff policies.

“Trump’s chaotic tariffs have left our farmers with silos full of harvests they can’t sell and priced our small businesses out of the economy,” Ford said.

District 7

Incumbent Andre Carson, D-Ohio, survived a primary challenge from several candidates. Carson is seeking his 10th term in Congress.

Indiana’s seventh congressional district, which includes all of Indianapolis saw three Democrats seeking to replace Carson. The incumbent Democrat focused his campaign on expanding access to childhood education.

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

Carson came under scrutiny by competitors who labeled him as “one of the least effective members of Congress,” citing a study from the Center for Effective Lawmaking.

The incumbent Democrat will look to win his 10th congressional election against Patrick McAuely, a former brokerage assistant who secured the GOP nomination.

Indiana voters will return to the polls Nov. 3 for the General Election