With only 38 days remaining until Election Day, the race for Indiana’s 7th Congressional District is heating up as incumbent Democratic Congressman André Carson continues to refuse a debate with his Republican challenger, John Schmitz. Schmitz, a businessman and political newcomer, has been rapidly gaining momentum in the district, as evident by his growing presence in fundraising events, and a flood of campaign signs seen throughout the Indianapolis area.
For weeks, calls for a debate between Carson and Schmitz have echoed across the district, with many voters eager to see how the two candidates would fare in a direct exchange. However, Carson, a longstanding figure in the district since 2008, has remained elusive, declining multiple invitations for a public debate. Schmitz, on the other hand, has been outspoken in his willingness to face off, often criticizing Carson’s refusal as a sign of political weakness and a lack of accountability to the voters.
Schmitz has capitalized on this refusal, positioning himself as the more transparent and accessible candidate in the race. His campaign has been gaining traction, particularly with independents and Republicans, but also among disillusioned Democrats frustrated by Carson’s unwillingness to engage.
While Carson may still have the advantage of incumbency, Schmitz has been building an energetic grassroots campaign. Large signs bearing Schmitz’s name and message have been popping up across Indianapolis, drawing attention in key areas that Carson once dominated. Additionally, Schmitz’s fundraising efforts have ramped up drastically in recent weeks, helping him build a more robust and visible campaign infrastructure.
One of the more surprising developments in the race occurred when a prominent, predominantly Black Baptist church in Indianapolis invited Schmitz to join them in a recent parade, snubbing Carson in the process. Historically, Carson has enjoyed strong support from the Black community, but this shift signals that some voters may be open to alternatives. The invitation to Schmitz is viewed by political observers as a potential signal that Carson’s hold on certain constituencies may not be as firm as in previous years.
Schmitz’s message, which focuses on economic growth, infrastructure improvements, and his pro-family policies, has resonated with a broad swath of voters in the district, including those who feel that Carson has become too disconnected from the everyday concerns of the community. Many have pointed to the congressman’s focus on national progressive priorities, such as electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, as being out of step with the needs of local residents, particularly in neighborhoods struggling with crime, education, and infrastructure decay.
In contrast, Schmitz has positioned himself as a candidate who will focus on the immediate needs of the 7th District. His visible presence at community events and his emphasis on local issues have allowed him to connect with voters across party lines.
With early voting just around the corner and Election Day fast approaching, the pressure is mounting for Carson to engage more directly with his opponent. While he has relied heavily on his established political network and name recognition, the rise of John Schmitz as a serious challenger has shaken up what many once considered a safely Democratic seat.
If Carson continues to avoid a debate, it may play into Schmitz’s narrative that the congressman is no longer in touch with the district's needs. With fundraising increasing, Schmitz’s message gaining traction, and signs of growing dissatisfaction within key voting blocs, the race for the 7th Congressional District is proving to be more competitive than expected.
As the clock ticks down, all eyes will be on whether Carson shifts his campaign strategy in response to Schmitz’s rising momentum, or if the political newcomer can continue to build on his gains without the high-profile confrontation a debate would provide.
Election Day is November 5th, and the voters of Indiana’s 7th Congressional District are waiting for answers.