Who's running in Indiana's 7th congressional district
3 candidates are on the ballot. Below is what each one says they stand for, what they have actually done in office or in public life, and the arguments published for and against them — each quoted from a named source rather than summarised by us.
3 candidates · ballot order · André Carson currently holds this seat
Medium confidenceMedium confidenceThe candidate's stated positions and basic record are documented, but coverage is thin — often little independent reporting, or criticism from only one side.What would raise it: More independent reporting, a documented voting record, or published criticism from a named opponent would raise this.
What they say they stand for
Their own words. Claims, not verified facts.
Reforming the justice system with stronger accountability measures for police.
Investment in infrastructure, public transit, improved rail service and clean energy charging stations.
Affordable health care.
Confronting cyber threats and domestic terrorism, including white supremacist violence.
Opposition to the war in Iran; he has been a vocal critic of Israel's government.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Indiana's 7th District since 2007; former Indianapolis City-County councillor.
Former compliance officer with the Indiana State Excise Police and analyst in the anti-terrorism division of Indiana's Department of Homeland Security.
Says 22 pieces of his legislation have been signed into law; supported passage of the Affordable Care Act and the Dodd-Frank Act.
Secured about $13 million in the most recent fiscal year for community projects including lead pipe replacement, workforce training and IndyGo buses.
Ranked 197th of 220 House Democrats by the Center for Effective Lawmaking.
Won the May 5, 2026 Democratic primary with 62.4%; won the 2024 general election with 68.3%.
Raised $1.01 million through June 30, 2026, with $621,350 on hand.
Arguments in favor
His office has a reputation for efficiency and results — resolving Social Security problems and bringing Hoosiers home from abroad — to the point that it takes casework from other districts, and he has delivered federal money for lead pipes, job training and buses.
— André Carson, interview with Mirror Indy
The Carson name is a known quantity in Indianapolis and he is generally thought of positively by constituents; incumbency and that record make him the clear favourite.
— Laura Merrifield Wilson, University of Indianapolis political scientist, to TheStatehouseFile.com
Arguments against
By all definitions he is a 'corporate Democrat', taking money from corporate PACs including utility AES Indiana and BlackRock's PAC — and 'when a legislator accepts a campaign check, you should always assume there's been a meeting'.
— Destiny Wells, Democratic primary opponent, to Mirror Indy and TheStatehouseFile.com
He is 'failing Indianapolis': ranked among the least effective lawmakers in Congress, he does not play a party-building role or do enough to raise turnout and bring federal money to the city after 18 years in the seat.
— George Hornedo, Democratic primary opponent, to Mirror Indy
What we couldn’t verify
No NRCC material or criticism of Carson by Patrick McAuley could be found; McAuley's published statements focus on his own priorities.
Carson has said he has voted against donors' interests; specific examples were not given in the coverage found.
Whether Carson will debate McAuley or Sceniak had not been reported.
Public safety and better relations between police and communities, which he calls his highest priority.
Housing stability and addressing homelessness.
Job growth and career opportunities.
Using the Republican platform to bring federal resources to Indianapolis for infrastructure, public safety and housing.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Former intern for two US senators.
Supported Jefferson Shreve's campaign for Indianapolis mayor.
Won the May 5, 2026 Republican primary with 84.4% against Felipe Rios.
Reported no campaign receipts through June 30, 2026.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
His experience in the Senate taught him how federal legislation works and how it affects families in Indianapolis, and he built his agenda by asking more than 350 district residents what they need — affordability, safety, housing and jobs.
— Patrick McAuley, statements to The Butler Collegian and the Indiana Capital Chronicle
Arguments against
He reported raising no money through June 30, 2026, against an incumbent with more than $600,000 on hand, in Indiana's most Democratic district, which Carson won with 68.3% in 2024.
— Federal Election Commission filings; 2024 election results
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of McAuley by name could be found — not from Carson's campaign, the DCCC, or Indianapolis coverage in Mirror Indy, IndyStar, WFYI or the Indianapolis Recorder.
His positions on national issues such as health care, taxes and immigration were not published in the coverage found.
Positions and criticism are quoted from the named sources, not our assessments. This is built to help you start getting informed — confirm the official candidate list with your election authority before you vote.
Indiana held its primaries on May 5, 2026, and the Libertarian Party nominated by convention on March 22. Three candidates appear on the November ballot: Democratic incumbent André Carson, Republican Patrick McAuley and Libertarian James Sceniak. The roster is confirmed against the Indiana Secretary of State's certified general election candidate list, updated August 27, 2026, which lists no write-in candidates for this seat. The district lies entirely within Marion County and covers most of Indianapolis. In late 2025 the Trump administration pressed Indiana to split Indianapolis among several districts to unseat Carson; the Indiana Senate rejected the map in December 2025, so the current lines stand. The contest that drew attention was the Democratic primary, Carson's most contested yet, which he won with 62.4% over Destiny Wells, George Hornedo and Denise Paul Hatch. Carson won the 2024 general election with 68.3% and this is Indiana's most Democratic district. Through June 30, 2026 Carson had raised $1.01 million; McAuley and Sceniak reported no receipts.
This is one contest on a longer ballot
A Indiana ballot also carries state legislative districts, county offices, judicial seats and often local questions — and which of them you vote on is decided by your street address, not your city or ZIP code.