Former state Senator Erin Houchin emerged victorious in the highly contested Indiana 9th Congressional District Republican primary. With approximately 99% of the votes counted, Houchin secured 37% of the total votes, outpacing her closest rivals, former U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel (26%) and political newcomer Stu Barnes-Israel (21%). Barnes-Israel conceded the race shortly after the polls closed.
This election marks Houchin's second attempt at the 9th Congressional District seat, having previously lost to Republican Rep. Trey Hollingsworth in 2016. Her success in this primary was bolstered by the support of several prominent state Republicans, including Attorney General Todd Rokita and U.S. Reps. Larry Bucshon and Jackie Walorski.
The race was notable for the significant financial resources deployed. Houchin raised nearly $440,000, excluding personal loans, leading the Republican field in fundraising. Sodrel, who had previously represented the district from 2005 to 2007, loaned his campaign $725,000 and raised an additional $46,000. Barnes-Israel, a first-time candidate, loaned his campaign $100,000 and raised an additional $302,000.
Questions about residency emerged during the campaign, particularly for Sodrel and Barnes-Israel. Both candidates faced scrutiny over their living arrangements and their connections to the district they sought to represent.
In the Democratic primary for the same district, Matt Fyfe emerged as the winner, securing 57% of the vote. The district, however, leans heavily Republican, making Houchin the likely victor in the general election.
This primary was especially significant as it was for the only vacant congressional seat in Indiana, following Congressman Hollingsworth's announcement that he would not seek reelection. The district's right-leaning nature and the high-profile support for Houchin suggest a strong likelihood of her winning the general election.
Former state Senator Erin Houchin emerged victorious in the highly contested Indiana 9th Congressional District Republican primary. With approximately 99% of the votes counted, Houchin secured 37% of the total votes, outpacing her closest rivals, former U.S. Rep. Mike Sodrel (26%) and political newcomer Stu Barnes-Israel (21%). Barnes-Israel conceded the race shortly after the polls closed.
This election marks Houchin's second attempt at the 9th Congressional District seat, having previously lost to Republican Rep. Trey Hollingsworth in 2016. Her success in this primary was bolstered by the support of several prominent state Republicans, including Attorney General Todd Rokita and U.S. Reps. Larry Bucshon and Jackie Walorski.
The race was notable for the significant financial resources deployed. Houchin raised nearly $440,000, excluding personal loans, leading the Republican field in fundraising. Sodrel, who had previously represented the district from 2005 to 2007, loaned his campaign $725,000 and raised an additional $46,000. Barnes-Israel, a first-time candidate, loaned his campaign $100,000 and raised an additional $302,000.
Questions about residency emerged during the campaign, particularly for Sodrel and Barnes-Israel. Both candidates faced scrutiny over their living arrangements and their connections to the district they sought to represent.
In the Democratic primary for the same district, Matt Fyfe emerged as the winner, securing 57% of the vote. The district, however, leans heavily Republican, making Houchin the likely victor in the general election.
This primary was especially significant as it was for the only vacant congressional seat in Indiana, following Congressman Hollingsworth's announcement that he would not seek reelection. The district's right-leaning nature and the high-profile support for Houchin suggest a strong likelihood of her winning the general election.