State Sen. J.D. Ford has won the Democratic nomination for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District, according to his campaign.
With more than 95% of the votes counted, Ford led his six opponents with 40% of the vote, according to Decision Desk HQ. Ford made history in 2018 when he became Indiana’s first openly gay lawmaker and defeated a conservative stalwart to claim Indiana’s Senate District 29 seat.
He was reelected to the state Senate in 2022 then announced earlier this year that he was not seeking reelection to the state Senate and instead was running for Congress.
In the May 5 primary election, Ford defeated fellow Democrats Jackson Franklin, Deborah Pickett, Tara Nelson, Dylan McKenna, Phil Goss and Steven Avit. In the General Election set for Nov. 3, Ford will take on Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz.
Spartz defeated Republican challenger Scott King in her primary election on May 5. Spartz, a Noblesville resident, started representing Indiana’s 5th Congressional District back in 2021.
Republicans have the clear advantage in the district, but Ford does have experience flipping seats. Ford defeated former Sen. Mike Delph, a conservative stalwart who was perhaps best known for his staunch opposition to gay marriage, to flip the Indiana District 29 seat in 2018. Ford was reelected to the seat in 2022, defeating Republican physician Alex Choi by winning just under 52% of the votes.
“I am truly grateful to every Hoosier who showed up, made their voice heard and believed in what we are building together,” Ford said in a news release declaring victory in the May 5 primary election. “This campaign has always been about people. It has been about listening, showing up and fighting for families who feel like Washington has stopped working for them. Tonight is proof that when people come together, they can take their power back.”
Contact Jake Allen at jake.allen@indystar.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, @Jake_Allen19. Click here to get Hamilton County news sent straight to your inbox and subscribe to the IndyStar North newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: State Sen. J.D. Ford wins 5th Congressional Democratic primary election
Reporting by Jake Allen, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
