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Wednesday, November 4, 2026Local news for Central Indiana, Indiana.
Central Indiana Herald · 350 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 300, Indianapolis, IN 46204

Ford wins 5th District race

Democratic challenger J.D. Ford unseats Republican Victoria Spartz in a key Central Indiana congressional contest.

By Jisoo Kim ·

Illustration for: Ford wins 5th District race
Illustration generated for this article, not a news photograph.

Democratic State Senator J.D. Ford defeated incumbent Republican Victoria Spartz for the U.S. House seat representing Indiana’s 5th Congressional District. The election result confirmed Ford as the new representative for the district, which includes Carmel and surrounding communities.

The race followed a campaign focused on economic relief and healthcare access. Ford argued that local families face rising costs for basic necessities such as groceries and utilities. He claimed that powerful corporations and wealthy interests have gained ground in Washington while working families struggle to keep up.

Spartz had held the seat since 2014, making this the first time a Democrat has won the district in recent history. The outcome marks a shift in control for one of the state's most competitive suburban districts.

With 92% of the votes reported, Ford secured nearly 52% of the total vote count. Spartz received the remaining 48%. The margin of victory placed Ford ahead in the final tallies as election officials certified the results.

Ford said the voters sent a clear message about their priorities for the next term. He stated that he is honored by the trust placed in him to fight for change in Congress. He pledged to stand up to corporate interests and ensure that decisions in Washington prioritize people and families.

The next step for Ford involves preparing for his transition into the House. He will begin meeting with staff and constituents to outline his legislative agenda. Spartz will leave office once the new Congress convenes.

Source: WIBC · original report published

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