Voter guide: Who's running in the 7th Congressional District? What you need to know

Indianapolis residents in the 7th Congressional Districts will have a menu of options come May 5, whether they vote in the hotly contested Democratic primary or the two-person race to be the Republican nominee.

The 7th Congressional District encompasses nearly all of Indianapolis, leaving a southside sliver for the Republican-controlled 6th Congressional District. It's the bluest district in Indiana, so Republican challengers will face an uphill battle.

U.S. Rep. Andre Carson has represented the 7th for 18 years, during which he's faced little competition from within the Democratic party. Carson has consistently received 85% or more of the vote in these often three-way races.

But this year could be different; or, at least, that's what his challengers hope. Here's everything you need to know about who's running to represent Indiana's largest city in Congress.

Democratic primary

There are four candidates vying to be the Democratic nominee.

Rep. André Carson

A native of Indianapolis' east side, Carson, 51, earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice management from Concordia University-Wisconsin and a master's degree in business management from Indiana Wesleyan University before working in intelligence and counterterrorism for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

He made his first foray into politics as an Indianapolis city-county councilor. He served from 2007-2008 before being elevated to Congress in a special election to replace his late grandmother U.S. Rep. Julia Carson.

In Congress, Carson serves as a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he said he's helped bring billions of dollars in infrastructure funding to Indianapolis. He was the second Muslim ever elected to Congress and is the sole Black representative in Indiana's congressional delegation.

His priorities include creating equity in health and voting, improving infrastructure and protecting America against foreign and domestic threats. His campaign website, with a full list of his policy positions, can be found here.

Denise Paul Hatch

Hatch, a former constable for Center Township, received a bachelor's degree from New Hampshire College and has worked on political campaigns for Sen. Bernie Sanders and President Barack Obama.

She also owns Eagle Peak Construction, a Virginia-based construction firm.

Elected as a constable in 2022, Hatch's term was cut short when she pled guilty to two misdemeanors and a felony in Marion County court. Those charges included official misconduct, stemming from an incident where she allegedly tried to steal grocery store produce, and unlawful carrying of a handgun, where Hatch interfered with an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer's arrest of one of her deputies for being a felon in possession of a firearm. She also pled guilty to disorderly conduct after a confrontation with the township trustee. Hatch has said the charges were politically motivated.

Her priorities include decriminalizing marijuana and stopping "unnecessary evictions." More about Hatch is available on her website.

George Hornedo

Born in Indianapolis, Hornedo, 35, received degrees in government, education policy and management and law from Cornell University, the Harvard Graduate School of Education and The George Washington University Law School.

He's currently president of Hornedo Strategies, a political consulting firm, and has worked with breakout Democratic candidates like former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Texas state Rep. James Talarico. He's also worked as a communications aid for the Department of Justice under President Barack Obama and represents the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus.

His top priorities for Indianapolis are improving road quality, tackling homelessness and making housing more affordable. Hornedo's policy proposals, including detailed memos, are available on his website.

Destiny Wells

Originally from Martinsville, Indiana, Wells, 42, began serving in the U.S. Army Reserves in 2003, where she's now a lieutenant colonel. She received a bachelor's degree from Indiana University and a law degree from the University of Texas. She currently lives in Center Township.

Wells ran for Indiana secretary of state in 2022 and Indiana attorney general in 2024, losing both races to her Republican opponents. She also lost a bid for Indiana Democratic Party Chair.

Wells supports universal health care, affordable childcare and raising the federal minimum wage, according to her website.

Read more of our race coverage

Republican primary

Just two candidates are trying their hand at winning the 7th for Republicans this year.

Patrick McAuley

McAuley graduated with a master's in international economics and finance from Valparaiso University in 2022 and has since worked as a brokerage assistant at Douglas Realty Group. He's also an associate for the commercial real estate company Broad Ripple Capital, which was founded by Douglas Realty Group owner Douglas McAuley, and holds a bachelor's degree in religious studies from Wabash College.

He currently serves as a Washington Township Precinct Committeeman and volunteered for Jefferson Shreve's mayoral campaign, according to his LinkedIn.

McAuley's campaign website is available here.

Felipe Rios

Rios has previously run unsuccessful campaigns for the state legislature, including House District 94 in 2020 and House District 99 in 2022.

Little information about his work or education is available online, but several nonprofits, including churches, and a for-profit company are registered in his name, according to Indiana business records.

In a social media post, Rios describes himself as a pastor and politician. He's from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, and has studied at the University of Arizona and Harvard, according to his Facebook profile.

His priorities include banning same-sex marriage, opposing the Affordable Care Act and ensuring legal immigrants can achieve their dreams, according to a former campaign website.

Contact breaking politics reporter Marissa Meador at [email protected] or find her on X at @marissa_meador.