Voters in Indiana’s 7th Congressional District — covering most of Indianapolis — are heading into a competitive 2026 primary season that could test the strength of longtime U.S. Rep. André Carson.
The May 5 primary will determine party nominees for the general election in November, but in a heavily Democratic district, the primary is widely viewed as the decisive contest. Multiple challengers across party lines have entered the race, signaling a broader moment of political engagement and, for some voters, a desire for change.
Carson, first elected in 2008, remains the incumbent and a dominant figure in Indianapolis politics. But a growing and diverse field of candidates is shaping what could be one of the most closely watched races in the district in years.
The incumbent: André Carson
André Carson has represented Indiana’s 7th District since 2008, when he won a special election following the death of his grandmother, Rep. Julia Carson.
Experience and background:
A longtime public servant, Carson previously served on the Indianapolis City-County Council and worked in state public safety and homeland security roles. He is now a senior member of Indiana’s congressional delegation and has built a reputation around national security work and federal investment in Indianapolis.
What he’s running on:
Carson’s campaign emphasizes experience, continuity and his track record of delivering federal resources to the district. He has consistently won reelection by large margins, including more than two-thirds of the vote in 2024.
“Throughout his public service, Rep. Carson has fought for fairness for all, especially disadvantaged and marginalized groups, helping everyone access equal opportunities,” Rep. Carson’s website reads.
The challenge:
Despite his strong incumbency advantage, Carson faces a multi-candidate primary field that reflects both ideological diversity and a push from some voters for new leadership.
George Hornedo
George Hornedo is one of the most prominent Democratic challengers.
Experience and background:
Hornedo is a former member of the Indiana Democratic Party State Central Committee and a political strategist.
What he’s running on:
His campaign has focused on party renewal and energizing voters, positioning himself as part of a new generation of leadership within the Democratic Party.
“A sustainable future means clean air, safe water, affordable energy, and reliable infrastructure for every family in Indianapolis,” Hornedo’s campaign website says.
Campaign position:
Hornedo presents himself as a challenger advocating for generational change within the Democratic Party, contrasting his campaign style and messaging with Carson’s long incumbency.
Destiny Wells
Destiny Wells adds statewide experience to the Democratic primary.
Experience and background:
Wells was the Democratic nominee for Indiana attorney general in 2024 and previously ran for secretary of state in 2022.
What she’s running on:
Her past campaigns have emphasized voting rights, election access and government accountability — themes likely to carry into her congressional bid.
“Our government should work for the people. It’s that simple,” W
Campaign position:
Wells enters the race with name recognition among Democratic voters, which could influence turnout dynamics in a crowded field.
Denise Paul Hatch
Denise Paul Hatch is a Democratic candidate who previously served as the elected constable for Center Township in Marion County.
Her campaign presence reflects experience in township-level public service rather than city or county legislative office, and she is part of a broader Democratic primary field challenging longtime incumbent André Carson.
Experience and background:
Hatch previously served as a Center Township constable, giving her direct experience in local public service.
As a township constable, Hatch held a local elected law enforcement position responsible for serving civil court documents such as evictions, subpoenas and other legal notices within the township. The role operates at the township level of government, which is one of the smallest units of local government in Indiana.
What she’s running on:
Hatch’s campaign focuses on a “I feel you. I’ll fight for you” message, according to her official website.
The campaign emphasizes lowering utility bills, expanding health care access for pregnant women and strengthening tenant protections.
Campaign position:
Hatch represents a less traditional congressional candidate profile, with roots in township-level leadership rather than state or national politics.
Patrick McAuley
Patrick McAuley is one of two Republicans seeking the nomination in Indiana’s 7th Congressional District.
Experience and background:
McAuley has been involved in politics at multiple levels since at least 2015, including grassroots organizing in Indiana and work on Capitol Hill.
His campaign has emphasized that experience has given him insight into how federal policy decisions affect everyday families.
What he’s running on:
According to his campaign website, McAuley’s platform is shaped directly by voter input. His team conducted a district-wide survey with more than 350 respondents, identifying top concerns including affordability, public safety, housing stability, career pathways and long-term community investment.
McAuley’s campaign website says he is focused on securing resources for infrastructure, housing and job creation, while aligning with broader Republican policy priorities.
Campaign positioning:
McAuley has framed his candidacy around bringing additional federal and state resources into the district by leveraging relationships built over years in political work.
Felipe Rios
Experience and background:
Rios has previously run for the Indiana House of Representatives in multiple election cycles, including in District 99 in 2024.
He has also worked in nonprofit and ministry spaces for decades, which his campaign highlights as part of his community involvement.
His educational background, according to voter guides, includes degrees in political science, leadership and divinity studies.
What he’s running on:
Rios’ campaign emphasizes a platform centered on traditional values and limited federal authority.
According to his campaign website, he supports defining marriage as between one man and one woman under state law.
Policy positions attributed to his campaign and candidate profiles also include:
- Opposition to the Affordable Care Act, citing concerns about federal overreach
- Support for anti-abortion legislation
- Broader emphasis on constitutional principles, particularly the 10th Amendment
Campaign positioning:
Rios presents himself as a values-driven candidate with a long record of advocacy and community work, distinguishing his campaign through a focus on moral and constitutional issues rather than primarily economic or infrastructure-based messaging.
James Sceniak
James Sceniak has secured the Libertarian nomination.
Experience and background:
Sceniak previously ran as a Libertarian candidate in another Indiana congressional district in 2024.
What he’s running on:
While specific campaign messaging is limited, Libertarian candidates often emphasize limited government, individual liberties and reduced federal spending.
Withdrawn and former candidates
Several candidates initially filed but are no longer in the race, including Trapper Stewart, Aleem Young and Pierre Quincy Pullins.
Their early participation still reflects the level of interest in challenging the incumbent in 2026.
What voters should know
Indiana’s primary election is set for May 5, 2026, with the general election scheduled for Nov. 3.
The 7th District has supported Democratic presidential candidates by large margins and consistently reelecting Carson since 2008.
Because of that, the Democratic primary is expected to play a decisive role in determining who will ultimately represent Indianapolis in Congress.
Information on polling locations, hours and voter-specific information — including a personalized lookup tool — are available through the Indiana Voters Portal at https://indianavoters.in.gov. Voters can also check their registration status, find early voting sites and view a sample ballot.
Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
Hanna Rauworth is the Health & Environmental Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, where she covers topics at the intersection of public health, environmental issues, and community impact. With a commitment to storytelling that informs and empowers, she strives to highlight the challenges and solutions shaping the well-being of Indianapolis residents.
