Democratic candidate Denise Paul Hatch is running for a seat in Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, which covers most of Indianapolis. Rep. André Carson currently holds this seat.
As a part of a Q&A series with District 7 candidates, Hatch shared her background, priorities and perspective on Indianapolis ahead of the May 5 primary. Candidates were asked the same questions.
Responses have been edited for brevity and clarity.
Why are you running for Congress this year?
Denise Paul Hatch: I am running for Congress to fill a void in leadership. There are too many issues that are not addressed to satisfy a neglected community — the recent AES electric rate increase leaving the elderly, disabled and families that face financial challenges alone in the dark, the State of Indiana decision to outlaw abortions and then to deny prenatal Medicaid for some women. Sadly, no leader is fighting for these women and sounding the alarm before tragedy strikes.
Hoosier Republicans have now made poverty a crime instead of providing assistance. Data centers are approved to be located in densely populated areas. The people of Indianapolis need a leader that will first listen and then take action in the best interest of the people, not big corporations.
Which past experiences will help you in this role?
Hatch: I have had a lifetime of experience to help me in the role of Congresswoman. First, I have shared the struggles of a middle-class family, raising five college graduates, supporting my Disabled Vietnam veteran husband, owning and managing a construction company, and as a landlord.
Becoming the first female and Buddhist Constable, increasing my deputies by 400%, boots on the ground without a penny from the taxpayers. Our motto was Protect, Assist and Serve allowed the Center Township Constable’s Office to be seen as true public servants. We even served meals to the homeless and hungry.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
Hatch: When elected to office, my biggest priority will come from the people. First, listening to their concerns and priorities by holding town hall meetings immediately after winning the primary. Our current leaders have forgotten how to meet face-to-face with our community and simply listen. I will vote to impeach President Trump and remove him from office.
I will work to help families with the increasing cost of living by issuing tax rebates (and) increasing Social Security benefits to our seniors. Health care is a human right, and I will fight to grant Medicaid for all. Strengthen rights for minorities, women, and LGBTQ communities. Reform ICE and lobby for a humane immigration policy. Job training for our young people, getting them off the streets and into better-paying jobs. To reform marijuana laws to legalize and expunge all marijuana convictions. Then, law enforcement could focus on serious violent crime.
As you listen to members of the community, what are they asking for from their representatives?
Hatch: As I travel throughout the 7th District and listened to what issues matter to my community, I found that people want a change in leadership. They want a leader that is accessible and accountable. They want to be heard and they want action, not political talk without measurable improvement in their lives. People want town hall meetings to directly speak to their representative. The issues I mentioned above, and more, came from discussions with the Indianapolis community.
What do you love most about Indianapolis?
Hatch: What I love most about Indy is the diversity of people, the parks, and that we have more monuments than any other place in America except Washington, D.C. I love the people who have shared their life stories, and I have listened to their great memories. I love that there is a park in almost every neighborhood. I love how the state of Indiana treats its veterans. Not to mention all the sporting events and conventions. If you want to meet people from all over America, just take a trip downtown.
Contact Multimedia Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846 or noralp@indyrecorder.com. Follow him on X @3Noral. For more news, visit indianapolisrecorder.com.
Editor-in-chief Camike Jones contributed to this Q&A.
Noral Parham is the multi-media reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
