Republican candidate Patrick McAuley 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, McAuley shared his 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?
Patrick McAuley: I’ve been very involved locally for about a year and a half. I was walking outside one day and ran into a gentleman on the east side. We talked for about two hours, and I learned his life story and the struggles he faced living in the inner cities of Milwaukee and now Indianapolis with his family. I learned what the real issues are in our inner cities and how we need to address them as a Republican party. It has grown into a full-fledged effort of 25 to 30 grassroots leaders in the inner city who are ready to take this on.
Which past experiences will help you in this role?
McAuley: I spent two stints in the U.S. Senate under the leadership of one of our current U.S. Senators. I’ve also been working as a precinct committeeman for about a year and a half. I’ve been networking with the Republican party and building relationships, but my main experience is in the U.S. Senate, understanding how federal legislation works and how policy affects families back here in Indianapolis and in the 7th district.
If elected, what would be your top priorities?
McAuley: Homelessness, housing, job growth and community police relations. Those are the top priorities we’ve focused on with voters and what we’ve heard from people living in the inner city. They want more housing options, to feel safer and stronger relationships with police.
Not every family wants to send their young person to college. Some want trade jobs in technical careers, so expanding those opportunities is important. That will require working with the Statehouse, the White House and members of Congress to help make those things happen and bring financial resources to the 7th district.
As you listen to members of the community, what are they asking for from their representatives?
McAuley: A voice. They want to be heard. They want someone showing up in the community, visible, attending church functions and block parties, and being a voice. That’s the biggest thing I’ve heard, being visible and having their best interests.
What do you love most about Indianapolis?
McAuley: The beauty, the relationships and the close-knit communities. Having sports teams helps people engage downtown. It’s a walkable city where visitors can get around in 15 to 20 minutes. It’s a great place to raise a family. With growing suburbs like Lawrence Township and development in Speedway, it’s a great place to live and visit, especially for sports.
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.
