Results are in for three of Indiana’s key congressional primary races

By Olivia O’NealTheStatehouseFile.comMay 6, 2026 IncumbentAndre Carsonsecured roughly 60% of the votes for the District 7 congressional seat in Indiana’s Democratic primary on Tuesday, claiming victory with just under 45,000 votes. Despite his decisive win, this race could have been one of Carson’s most competitive in years, one of his challengers, George Hornedo, said. In his nearly two decades representing the district, Carson oftensuperseded60% of votes. His two most significant challengers took roughly a third of the votes combined.Destiny Wellscame in second with just under 17,000—or 23%.George Hornedowas third, securing roughly 10%, or 8,000 votes. This primary saw a higher voter turnout than the 2022 Democratic primary even long before the polls shut down, Hornedo said. Despite their losses, both challengers celebrated the turnout. “Contested races hold incumbents accountable,” Wells said in a text to TheStatehouseFile.com. “This is how democracy should work.” Hornedo, who prided himself on a campaign backed by individual donors and his Democratic field operation rather than corporate PAC money, said in a press release that Carson’s competition signifies a change for District 7. “The math of this district looks fundamentally different. Indianapolis is ready for more,” he said. “That energy didn’t disappear tonight. It’s looking for a home.” The polling numbers may be a part of something bigger. “Little sparks can cause huge fires,” Wells said. “I’m excited for Indy’s future and the momentum built from those who engaged this political season.” In the race for the District 7 Republican congressional seat,Patrick McAuleywon a landslide victory against challengerFelipe Rios, with 80% of the votes compared to Rios’ 15%. Mary Allentook almost 70% of the vote in the congressional House District 8 Democratic primary. That was more than the combined votes of all three challengers—Tabitha Zeigler,Christopher RectorandMario Foradori. Allen will face incumbentRep. Mark Messmerfor the District 8 seat. He ran for the Republican primary seat unopposed. Past state Sen.J.D. Fordwas successful in his campaign for the District 5 congressional Democratic primary race with upwards of 17,000 votes. His most formidable competition,Jackson Franklin, came in second but with fewer than 7,000 votes. Ford will run against incumbent Rep.Victoria Spartz, who ran a close race for the Republican primary but won with 50% of the vote. ChallengerScott Kingwas close behind with 40%. Olivia O’Neal is a reporter forTheStatehouseFile.com, a news site powered by Franklin College journalism students. Thank you for signing-up to The Indiana Citizen weekly newsletter. Please check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.