Indiana midterm election: Andre Carson and Beau Bayh win key races

Indiana voters decided midterm election outcomes on November 4, 2026, and approved constitutional amendments concerning judicial bail authority and municipal judge residency requirements. The results, reported by the Associated Press and tracked by the Indianapolis Recorder, show significant margins for candidates in Marion County and the 7th Congressional District.

Andre Carson and Beau Bayh Win Key Elections

In the 7th Congressional District, incumbent Representative Andre Carson, a Democrat, secured re-election with 77.02% of the vote. Republican challenger Patrick McAuley trailed with 20.24%, while Libertarian James M. Sceniak received 2.63%. This contest followed a 2024 presidential election cycle in which Indiana favored Donald Trump by a 19-point margin, as noted in data from NBC News.

Statewide races saw closer margins. Beau Bayh, a Democrat, won the Secretary of State race with 51.7% of the vote, defeating Republican Max Engling at 42.7%. The race for State Comptroller resulted in a narrow victory for Democrat Jessica Bailey, who earned 49.7% of the vote against Republican Elise Nieshalla’s 47.4%. Conversely, the State Treasurer position shifted to Republican Daniel Elliott, who secured 51.16% of the vote compared to 48.84% for incumbent Democrat Coumba Kebe.

Marion County Leadership and Judicial Referendums

Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell captured 74.05% of the vote, Prosecutor Ryan Mears won 71.25%, and Sheriff Kelvis T. Williams received 72.11%. Trustee races in Center, Lawrence, Warren, and Pike Townships were decided by unopposed Democratic candidates, while Kent E. Wells secured the trustee position in Wayne Township with 28.17% of the vote in a contested field.

Voters also approved two public questions amending the Indiana Constitution. Public Question 1, which passed with 59.3% support, grants judges expanded authority to deny bail if the state demonstrates that an accused person poses a substantial risk to another individual or the community. Public Question 2, approved by 58.3% of voters, relaxes residency requirements for city and town court judges, allowing them to reside in an adjacent county to assist with local judicial recruitment efforts.

Indianapolis School Referendum Passes and Board Members Elected

The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation referendum passed with 63.31% of the vote. This measure allows for a property tax increase at a rate not to exceed 37.2 cents per $100 of assessed value, projected to generate $95 million annually for four years. The new rate replaces an operating referendum set to expire on December 31, 2026.

The 2026 midterm results conclude a cycle defined by constitutional shifts and local fiscal adjustments, including the approval of a referendum to replace an expiring operating tax rate for Indianapolis public schools.