Who's running in Indiana's 9th 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 · Erin Houchin 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.
Building on the 2025 tax relief.
Finishing the job at the border.
Unleashing American energy production.
Holding Big Tech accountable and protecting children online.
Securing elections and supporting the military.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
US Representative for Indiana's 9th District since January 2023.
Indiana Senate, 47th District, 2014–2022; former field manager for US Senator Dan Coats.
Secretary of the House Republican Conference since the 119th Congress.
Voted for the 2025 tax and spending law, and spoke in favour of its SNAP cost-sharing provisions on the House floor.
Won the May 5, 2026 Republican primary unopposed; won the 2024 general election with nearly 65%.
Endorsed by President Trump, Rep. August Pfluger and Maggie's List.
Raised $1.86 million through June 30, 2026, with $1.18 million on hand.
Arguments in favor
She has delivered real results for Indiana families and codified much of the America First agenda, and keeping that momentum — lower taxes, secure borders, energy independence — requires holding the House majority.
— Erin Houchin campaign, statement to WFYI
The 2025 tax law she helped pass expands economic opportunity across Indiana, and she brought its case directly to Southern Indiana residents.
— Josh Webb, state director of Americans for Prosperity-Indiana
Arguments against
She voted last year for cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act that need revisiting, and 'seems to have no interest in keeping her oath to uphold the Constitution' as the executive branch acts unchecked.
— Jim Graham, Democratic primary candidate, statement to WFYI
She did not respond to the League of Women Voters' invitation to its October 9th District candidate forum, which all three of her opponents on the ballot or running as write-ins agreed to attend.
— League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County, Brown County and Southern Indiana, reported by WBIW
What we couldn’t verify
No DCCC material naming Houchin in 2026 could be found; the district is not on the committee's target list.
No direct criticism of Houchin by Brad Meyer by name could be read; coverage of his September town hall could not be accessed.
Whether Houchin will debate Meyer had not been reported.
Medicare for All — universal nonprofit health care.
A $20 federal minimum wage and overtime protection for salaried workers earning under $100,000.
Restoring collective bargaining power and fair taxes.
Ending tariffs, and shifting federal farm support toward small family farms.
An immigration system that works economically and respects the dignity of workers.
Restoring Small Business Administration funding to help rural communities.
What they’ve actually done
Documented record from official sources.
Purdue University engineering graduate; more than 20 years in local manufacturing.
Civilian engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane before entering the race.
Won the May 5, 2026 Democratic primary with 37.9% over Tim Peck, Jim Graham and Keil Roark.
Has held more than 15 town halls and five roundtables during the campaign.
Raised $105,510 through June 30, 2026, with $17,840 on hand.
Has not held elected office.
Arguments in favor
Families are losing sleep over everything, and that is the result of deliberate policy choices shifting wealth to the top; he walked away from a secure retirement to deliver real change for working people.
— Brad Meyer campaign site
Democrats who advocate moderation are 'thinking too small — the best you can get from that is managed decline'; the party's job is to stop Republicans and change direction, not move to the middle.
— Brad Meyer, at the Democratic primary debate reported by Indiana Public Media
Arguments against
To win disillusioned Republican voters in this district Democrats need a centrist message focused on cost of living; progressive positions will cost them those voters.
— Keil Roark, Democratic primary opponent, at the primary debate reported by Indiana Public Media
He had raised about $105,000 against Houchin's $1.86 million by mid-year, in a district she carried with nearly 65% in 2024 and that forecasters rate safe Republican.
— Federal Election Commission filings; 2024 election results; forecaster ratings
What we couldn’t verify
No published criticism of Meyer by name could be found from Houchin's campaign, the NRCC, or coverage in Indiana Public Media, the Indiana Daily Student, WBIW or the Seymour Tribune.
Whether he will debate Houchin had not been reported; she had not responded to the League of Women Voters forum.
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 21. Three candidates appear on the November ballot: Republican incumbent Erin Houchin, Democrat Brad Meyer and Libertarian Tonya Hudson. The roster is confirmed against the Indiana Secretary of State's certified general election candidate list, updated August 27, 2026. That list also carries one write-in candidate, independent Floyd Michael Taylor; write-in candidates are not printed on the Indiana ballot, so he is not profiled here. The district covers 18 counties of southern Indiana, including Bloomington, Jeffersonville, New Albany, Columbus and Seymour. Its lines are unchanged because the Indiana Senate rejected mid-decade redistricting in December 2025. Houchin was unopposed in her primary and won the 2024 general election with nearly 65%; forecasters rate the seat safe Republican. Through June 30, 2026 Houchin had raised $1.86 million to Meyer's $105,510. Houchin did not respond to an invitation to an October 3 League of Women Voters forum at which Meyer, Hudson and Taylor are confirmed.
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.