Latest news with #1stCongressionalDistrict
Indianapolis Star
5 days ago
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
Amid redistricting push, how much more red can Indiana's U.S. House delegation get?
Ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, Republican leaders from the White House to the Indiana Statehouse are considering a potentially controversial question. Could Indiana, a Republican supermajority state where the GOP holds seven of the state's nine U.S. House districts, become an even deeper shade of red next year? The Trump administration is encouraging Republican-led states to take up mid-decade redistricting ahead of the 2026 midterms as it reckons with a tight majority in the House, which currently stands at 219 Republicans to 212 Democrats. Although anything can happen, the White House usually loses congressional seats during midterm elections. The effort to change congressional maps is already underway in Texas, where the state's Democrats fled to Illinois on Aug. 3 as the Texas legislature considers maps that would give the GOP five additional U.S. House seats. And it's likely one of many topics for Vice President JD Vance's visit to Indianapolis on Aug. 7 to meet with Gov. Mike Braun, House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, all Republicans. 'It's a discussion that, to me, reflects how evenly balanced we are as a country," Braun said about redistricting on Aug. 5. Should Braun call a special session to initiate mid-decade redistricting, political analysts say it would be easy for Indiana Republicans to gain at least one more House seat by targeting the 1st Congressional District in Northwest Indiana, which is currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan. But flipping both the 1st District and Indianapolis' 7th Congressional District, held by U.S. Rep. André Carson, would be much more complicated – although not impossible. 'The White House, they're at the buffet and they want to eat everything,' said Kyle Kondik, the managing editor of Sabato's Crystal Ball, a nonpartisan political analysis newsletter at the University of Virginia. 'And IN-01 is on the menu.' Republicans have eyed the district as a pickup opportunity in both 2022 and 2024 and the National Republican Congressional Committee already in March put the district on a list of 26 offensive seats held by Democrats it plans to target next year. Despite the national attention, Mrvan last year extended his margin of victory over his Republican opponents. After winning the seat in 2020, Mrvan won reelection in 2024 by eight percentage points and in 2022 by nearly six percentage points. But while Mrvan has seen success in recent elections, the 1st District has trended further red in the Trump era. The 1st District includes Lake, Porter and portions of LaPorte counties and Trump has made gains in all three communities in each election since 2016. From 2024: House Speaker Mike Johnson visited Indiana. Here's which seat he thinks the GOP can flip. In 2021, the last time Indiana changed the shape of the state's congressional maps, state lawmakers largely left the 1st Congressional District alone. 'The district is such that a Republican can probably win it under the current lines, probably not in 2026, but maybe in 2028,' Kondik said. 'I think that was probably part of the logic in not doing anything with it in 2022, is that the thought was, well, maybe this district will just come to us over the course of the decade.' If Indiana lawmakers redraw congressional maps in 2025, it's likely the 1st District would be top of the list. Lawmakers could adjust the boundaries so that the 1st District runs further south into Newton and Jasper, both counties that Trump won by more than 50 percentage points in 2024. 'I think it's a very obvious choice,' said Chad Kinsella, an associate professor of political science at Ball State University. A Republican pursuit of the 7th Congressional District, which makes up the majority of Marion County, poses much greater challenges. Carson won a ninth term in 2024 defeating his Republican opponent by 39 percentage points. Even when including the southern more Republican-leaning portion of the county that sits in the 6th Congressional District, Former Vice President Kamala Harris decisively won Marion County in 2024 by nearly 28 percentage points. Republicans could break up the district by splitting existing 7th District voters into multiple different congressional districts, a process known as cracking. There is precedent for that, Kinsella said. Congressional maps in Utah have been the subject of legal battles in recent years after state lawmakers issued maps that sought to 'crack' Democratic strongholds. But that process would involve passing these Democratic parts of Marion County to some of the state's already deeply Republican districts. It's not clear if Indiana's Republican House members would accept that kind of change. 'You're going to have to convince several Republicans in the House that have fairly comfortable seats that they're going to have to be a little more uncomfortable,' Kinsella said. What Democrats say: Reps. Carson, Mrvan slam White House redistricting attempts as their own seats are under threat Republican U.S. Reps. Jim Baird, Jefferson Shreve and Victoria Spartz could all lose Republican voters if lawmakers decide to further break up Marion County. State lawmakers during 2021 redistricting took steps to make Spartz's seat safer through removing Marion County entirely from the 5th District. Spartz won a tight 2020 race by about four percentage points but after redistricting has won reelection in 2022 and 2024 by double digits. Any Democratic voter shuffling could make a safe Republican seat like Spartz's more vulnerable. 'You'd have to be really careful,' Kondik said about the 5th District. 'If you reduce the Republican strength in that district, she might attract a strong challenger.' Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Republican Bright launches second bid in 1st Congressional District
Republican Bright launches 2nd bid in 1st Congressional District Chris Bright, 49, of Derry, announced he's again running for the Republican Party nomination in the 1st Congressional District. In 2024, he finished fourth in that GOP primary. Chris Bright, an Army combat veteran and business owner from Derry, kicked off his second bid for the 1st Congressional District on Tuesday. Bright, 49, becomes the first Republican officially vying for the seat that four-term Democratic congressman Chris Pappas is vacating to run for the U.S. Senate next year. 'We need fewer keyboard warriors and more mission-driven leaders,' Bright said in his announcement remarks. '... This country has its challenges, and I am tired of the fighting and dysfunction. There is a better way and I'm running to lead smarter and to secure the future for our children and grandchildren." In a crowded GOP primary in 2024, Bright finished fourth with roughly half as many votes as the primary winner, former Executive Councilor and state Sen. Russell Prescott of Kingston. Two other Republicans who ran in 2024, primary runner-up Hollie Noveletsky of Greenland and third-place finisher Manchester Alderman Joe Kelly Levasseur, have both said they are considering another run next year. Portsmouth health advocate Stefany Shaheen, Marine veteran Maura Sullivan of Portsmouth and Harvard professor Carleigh Beriont of Hampton are all seeking the Democratic nomination. During a three-minute video Bright released, he spoke about his near-bankruptcy in 2014 which led to him spending a New Hampshire winter without electricity. 'I decided then do I give up or do I fight back?' Bright asked rhetorically. 'I chose to fight.' Bright founded American Facilities Professionals in 2018 and in 2023 it was recognized by Inc. magazine as one of the country's 5,000 fastest-growing private companies. Republican Bright launches 2nd bid in 1st Congressional District Republican congressional candidate Chris Bright, center, is pictured with sons Kevin, left, and Ryan, right. In his announcement, Bright makes no mention of President Donald Trump, whom he endorsed in 2024 after having backed former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. At the time, Bright had said Haley had 'less baggage than Trump." He also criticized Trump for firing H.R. McMaster as his national security adviser; Bright studied under McMaster at West Point. Bright and his wife Amy are the parents of four children: Ryan who is serving in the U.S. Navy with an upcoming deployment to South Korea; Kevin, who recently graduated from Pinkerton Academy; and twin daughters Caroline and Kate, who attend school in the Derry Cooperative School District, according to the campaign announcement. klandrigan@
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stefany Shaheen kicks off 1st Congressional District Democratic primary bid
Stefany Shaheen kicks off 1st C.D. Dem primary bid Stefany Shaheen of Portsmouth, the eldest daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., launched her Democratic primary bid for the too-be-vacant, 1st Congressional District seat. Health care advocate and businesswoman Stefany Shaheen, 51, launched her Democratic primary for the to-be-vacant, 1st Congressional District seat, vowing to push back against the Trump administration cuts to medical research and insurance for children. The eldest daughter of retiring U.S. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen instantly becomes a leading contender to try and replace four-term U.S. Rep. Chris Pappas, who is running for the Senate in 2026 to try and replace the elder Shaheen. The announcement creates a competitive primary between two Portsmouth Democrats, Shaheen and Maura Sullivan, a Marine Iraq War veteran and former Obama administration official who finished second to Pappas in 2018. Derry Republican businessman Chris Bright, who finished fourth in a 2024 primary in this district, is the only GOP figure to confirm that he'll be running next year. The top three finishers in that 2024 GOP primary, former Executive Councilor Russ Prescott, Greenland businesswoman and veteran Hollie Noveletsky and Manchester Board of Aldermen President Joe Kelly Levasseur, are all considering their own campaigns. Shaheen became a best-selling author of 'Elle & Coach' and an advocate when her eldest daughter, Elle, was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at age 8. She founded Good Measures, a small business that provides clinical and nutritional support to people living with chronic conditions and was a named inventor of some of the company's patents. 'For 15 years I've been a fierce fighter for medical research and innovation in health care to help people like my daughter, Elle, battling chronic, life-threatening diseases, like diabetes. So, when I see Donald Trump crushing medical research and slashing health care for kids, seniors and veterans to give tax breaks to billionaires and corporations, I have to fight back,' Shaheen said. That's why I'm running for Congress,' said Shaheen. 'No one fights harder than a mom for her kids, and that's how I will fight for your family too. I'll never give up.' Craig Welch and Shaheen have four children. Stefany Shaheen kicks off 1st C.D. bid Stefany Shaheen, third from left, kicked off her Democratic primary bid for the First Congressional District seat. At far right is her husband, Craig Welch. Joined Kamen's ARMI team Shaheen released a two-minute video entitled, 'No One Fights Harder' as part of her campaign kickoff and planned to visit several communities in the 1st District the rest of this week. She is part of a biotech initiative in Manchester's historic millyard as the chief strategy officer for Dean Kamen's Advance Regenerative Manufacturing Institute. 'If you are as outraged as I am, get in this fight with me,' Stefany Shaheen said in the video. 'In New Hampshire, we stand up for each other. Let's do this.' A spokeswoman for the Republican Congressional Campaign Committee said Shaheen has made a career of climbing the ladder thanks to her last name. Stefany Shaheen kicks off 1st C.D. bid Stefany Shaheen, third from left, kicked off her Democratic primary bid for the First Congressional District seat. At far right is her husband, Craig Welch. "Nepo baby Stefany Shaheen is a DC elitist who is committed to the Democrats' radical agenda that makes life more expensive and less safe. Granite Staters will resoundingly reject her and her out of touch policies,' said Maureen O'Toole, the eastern regional press secretary for NRCC. A 'nepo baby' is a slang term referring to someone who has achieved success or opportunities due to familial connections. Shaheen's team created a website and released several testimonials to her candidacy. Andrea Amico, founder of Testing for Pease, said Shaheen became a champion for treating PFAS contamination found in the drinking water at the Pease International Tradeport. 'You could feel how deeply she related to the parents at Pease, who were worried about their children and the possible health effects from drinking contaminated water,' Amico said. 'Our fight was her fight, and she helped get the PFAS blood testing program, create the city's Community Advisory Board, and advocate for the first national PFAS Health Study to include our families,' Her elective office career began when she won election to a seat on the Portsmouth City Council where she worked to tackle a parking shortage and also served on the Portsmouth Police Commission. klandrigan@
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida special elections: Early voting begins for U.S. House D1, Florida House D3
Early voting begins today for a pair of special elections. In one race, Jimmy Patronis and Gay Valimont are facing off to become the new representative of the 1st Congressional District after former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz vacated the seat in November. In a second race, voters will be asked to choose from eight Republican candidates vying to become their party's nominee to represent District 3 in the Florida House of Representatives seat vacated by former state Rep. Joel Rudman. The winner of the Republican primary will advance to face the lone Democratic candidate in a June 10 special election. Florida is a closed primary state. In the primary election, you will vote only for the candidates whose party affiliationis the same as yours. Early voting dates in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties are today through Saturday, March 29. Learn more about the candidates for U.S Congressional District 1 here. Learn more about the candidates for Florida House of Representatives District 3 here. Meet the candidates: Here's everything you need to know about candidates running for Florida's District 3 Seat Early Vote Dates: March 22 through March 29 Early Vote Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Escambia County Supervisor of Elections Office, 213 Palafox Place, Second Floor, Pensacola Main Library, 239 Spring St., Pensacola Molino Community Center, 6450 Highway 95A, Molino Tryon Library, 1200 Langley Avenue, Pensacola Southwest Library, 12248 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola Bellview Library, 6425 Mobile Highway, Pensacola Escambia County Extension Services, 3740 Stefani Road, Cantonment Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. De Soto St., Pensacola Billy G. Ward Century Courthouse, 7500 N. Century Blvd, Century UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts, Building 82, 11000 University Parkway, Pensacola There will not be any Early Voting for the Century elections. Early Vote Dates: March 22 through March 29 Early Vote Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ballot drop boxes/secure Ballot Intake Stations will be available at these locations during Early Voting hours: Main Elections Office (behind McDonald's on U.S. Highway 90), 6495 Caroline St., Suite "F", Milton South Service Center, (1 block east of the Zoo on U.S. Highway 98), 5841 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Gulf Breeze This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Florida Special elections for Matt Gaetz, Joel Rudman seats underway
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Business news: PNW alumni award winners and Griffith car seat safety event
Dilylah Johnson, Gabriella Holt, and Logan Haskins of Lowell High School are the winning team of the 2024 Congressional App Challenge in Indiana's First Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Frank J. Mrvan announced Thursday. The students used Block Code to create their winning application, 'Feline Frenzy,' where players help a stray cat named Whiskers jump over trash cans to collect points, is a game designed to raise awareness about animal shelters and inspire people to adopt pets. 'Thank you to all of the students who participated in the Congressional App Challenge this year!' Mrvan said in a news release. 'Congratulations to Dilylah, Gabriella, and Logan from Lowell High School on this remarkable achievement and for your efforts to raise awareness about the issues that matter most to you. I thank all of the educators and schools across our region for your dedication to STEM education and your efforts to foster innovation and creativity in our students.' Mrvan's office said 175 students across the 1st Congressional District participated in the App Challenge. Valerie Hunter, Lead STEM Educator at the Challenger Learning Center of Northwest Indiana and Judge of the Congressional App Challenge stated, 'Feline Frenzy definitely stood out among all of the entries for its attention to detail, style, creativity, and overall message. The creators' hard work and passion shone throughout.' A demonstration video of the 'Feline Frenzy' app can be viewed at 'Feline Frenzy' will be part of a rotating display in the U.S. Capitol and featured on the website for one year. Purdue University Northwest (PNW) will honor five exceptional university alumni through its expanded 2025 PNW Alumni Hall of Fame awards, according to a release. Included in the fourth annual class are Nicole Kupchik, CEO of Nicole Kupchik Consulting Inc., and Mason Macenski, vice president of Clinical and Regulatory Affairs at Miromatrix Medical Inc. In addition, the first recipient of the Pride of PNW Alumni Award is Rick Calinski, director of Public Affairs and Economic Development for Northern Indiana Public Service Co. The other awardees are Debbie Bachmann, administrator of Honors Student Leadership and Programming at PNW; and Ayana Clark, founder of A&J Branding and organizer for United Power for Action & Justice. The 2025 PNW Alumni Hall of Fame class will be honored April 3 during a reception and dinner at Alumni Hall in the Student Union Library Building, 2200 169th St., Hammond. Ticket and sponsorship information can be viewed at Franciscan Health Trauma Services is hosting a free car seat safety event from 2-4 p.m. Feb. 21 in partnership with the Griffith Fire Department at the department's Station No. 1, 130 N. Lafayette St., a release said. A safety technician will work with participants to teach them how to properly install a car seat. The child who uses the car seat must be present at the appointment in order for the technician to provide appropriate guidance, the release said. Women in their third trimester of pregnancy may attend as well. Upon completion of the appointment, participants should be able to install a car seat safely. The safety check is free, but reservations are required. Registration is available online or by calling 219-488-1380. State Rep. Vernon G. Smith, D-Gary, recently received the 2025 Drum Major Award presented by the Gary Frontiers Service Club for his commitment and dedication to his community, a release said. The award is named after Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'Drum Major Instinct' sermon, the release said. This annual award is given to an individual who continues fighting for King's dream and works to improve other's human experience. 'It is an immense honor to receive this award. I am blessed to have the privilege to serve the wonderful people of Gary,' Smith said in the release. 'Time has passed since the Civil Rights Movement, but Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy persists through those who serve. As I said in a recent speech celebrating his memory, I feel unworthy to be compared to the role model exemplar Martin Luther King.' LaPorte native Aidan Ross, a College of Business at Valparaiso University finance major, has been recognized as the Indiana State Champion in Excel, according to a release. Microsoft Office 365 Excel certification is earned after passing a proctored, standards-based exam and each state's highest-scoring individual is named the champion. Ross, a senior, achieved a perfect score and had the fastest time in Indiana, the release said. For more information on the programs and opportunities at VU's College of Business, visit Five of the 30 new Indiana State troopers have been assigned to the Lowell Post, according to a release. The five recent graduates of the 86th Police Academy will begin their next phase of training, a three-month field training period, riding with veteran troopers. Troopers included Amanda Parker, from Astoria, Illinois, who attended Indiana Institute of Technology where she majored in Criminal Justice and minored in psychology. Trooper Jaylen Holt-Terry, from Bolingbrook, Illinois, graduated from Bolingbrook High School in 2019. Trooper Adam Pratt is from Fountain County, Indiana, earned a bachelor's degree in Community Health and completed his master's degree in Healthcare Management from Indiana University. Trooper James J. Williams II is from South Bend, and is a graduate of John Adams High School also in South Bend. Trooper Caleb Somerville is a native of Kentucky, where he graduated from Estill County High School and is working to complete his degree at Eastern Kentucky University. Ivy Tech Community College CyberSecurity Program students are defending data fortresses and securing the byte world across a variety of program and course offerings through the School of Information Technology in Porter County, a release said. The college recently announced a new partnership with Israeli-based tech firm CyberProAI to help students train with dynamic interactive software, exercises, labs and military grade cyber attack simulators, a release said. Franciscan Health is hosting a free, educational heart screening event during American Heart Month aimed at helping residents better understand and manage their cardiac risk, according to a release. The Heart to Heart event is scheduled to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 22 at Innsbrook Country Club, 6701 Taft St. in Merrillville. Dr. J. Michael Tuchek, a cardiothoracic surgeon, will share information about the importance of patients knowing their blood pressure readings as well as their cholesterol and blood sugar levels and how they can all impact heart health, the release said. The event is free, but registration is required as seating is limited. Attendees may register for the breakfast and presentation only or a heart screening followed by breakfast and the presentation. Registration is available online at
