Indiana's 7th District Congress Race Heads Towards 2026 Primary

I voted today. I went in. I did my civic duty, and I was out in a flash. I love having these satellite voting centers. They sure make it easy. I voted for Cinde Wirth in the 6th District primary. Because of the redistricting after the 2020 census that took my house out of the 7th, I didn't have to make a choice in that race.

Congressman André Carson

Had I made a choice, I don't think it's a surprise. I would have voted for Congressman André Carson. Congressman Carson has long been a friend of mine, and I say that with full disclosure. Even if he wasn't a friend who I once had a conversation with about our Transformers, I'm still curious as to why people think he needs to go.

Congressman Carson has made great strides in infrastructure funding for his district. He helped lead the fight for veteran mental health, and he's been a force for education especially those who are the most vulnerable. Besides all of this, Congressman Carson is the only Black representativein our Congressional delegation. He remains a voice for those who are most vulnerable. As one of only four Muslim members of Congress, he also provides an important role for the Muslim community in our area and across the country.

People try to use the argument that Congressman Carson got his position on his last name only. I think even he would admit that it did help him to be related to the wonderful Julia Carson, but Congressman Carson had to work to get the job and the seat he currently sits in. He had to fight off a crowded caucus field. He had to defeat a motivated Republican opponent in the special election. He had to then turn right around and win a primary against heavy hitters like Woody Myers and David Orentlicher. After winning that, he had to win again in November. He did it all. He hasn't looked back since then. 

As a veteran, Destiny Wells has a fantastic bio. I'll even go as far as to say that I think she'd probably make a really good Congresswoman. With that said, I still can't figure out one single issue that would rise to the level that I would choose to change course in the 7th. Wells has campaigned actively. She's been hitting Congressman Carson's record as well as been calling him out in areas she feel he's been lacking. I just don't think it's that effective. She's taking him to task over money he's taken into his campaign coffers. That's probably her most effective attack. Wells, a candidate for past offices in statewide races, says that she is running to help turn out the vote. That's noble. It's still not enough in my judgement to go away from the Congressman.

There are other candidates on the ballot. George Hornedo hoped to make a splash, but his campaign has floundered since Wells entered. That's my perception, anyway. Then, there's Denise Paul Hatch. I'm not going to pile on.

I think Carson goes north of 50 percent and any anti-Carson vote is split with Wells and Hornedo in that order. 

If, by some chance, Congressman Carson does lose renomination, then I think the Mayor's race could get REALLY interesting in 2027. What would the Congressman do? Does he run for Mayor? 

I don't think we will see that happening. Carson wins on May 5.