Republicans Erin Houchin in the 9th CD and Jennifer-Ruth Green in the 1st CD won primaries Tuesday.
Republicans Erin Houchin in the 9th CD and Jennifer-Ruth Green in the 1st CD won primaries Tuesday.
By BRIAN A. HOWEY

INDIANAPOLIS - Erin Houchin is poised to become the newest Hoosier in Congress after winning the Republican 9th CD nomination in a district that is rated R+30. In the 1st CD race, Jennifer-Ruth Green had a huge early lead over former LaPorte mayor Blair Milo. Green will likely face Democratic U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan.

Green declared victory, saying, "I am honored and humbled that northwest Indiana Republicans have placed their trust in me to be their nominee for Congress. Frank Mrvan pretends to be a moderate Democrat, but his record tells a different story.  Frank Mrvan has rubber-stamped the failed economic, energy, immigration and public safety policies of Biden and Pelosi that have led to soaring inflation, crushing gas prices, a border crisis and skyrocketing crime rates. In fact, Mrvan has voted for the radical liberal agenda of Nancy Pelosi 100% of the time. It’s time for him to come home.”

Mrvan was renominated, saying, "I ran for Congress to address the pressing issues that individuals and families across our region are facing every day. That is why I was proud to vote for the American Rescue Plan, which rescued our economy, schools, working families, small businesses, and saved lives with the implementation of a federal vaccination plan. Iam seeking re-election to continue to serve as Co-Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus and promote the importance of our domestic manufacturing industry and the working men and women of organized labor. Steel is critical to the Northwest Indiana economy and our national security."

In the lone Indiana Senate dual incumbent race in SD47, State Sen. Gary Byrne overcame a late deficit to defeat State Sen. Kevin Boehnlein. Byrne was chosen by caucus to replace Houchin in SD47 while Boehnlein was appointed by caucus to replace Sen. Ron Grooms in the old SD46. Byrne and Boehnlein were drawn into the new SD47.

In two House incumbent v. incumbent races, State Rep. Craig Snow easily defeated State Rep. Curt Nisly in HD22. Snow had a 73-27% lead with 90% of precincts reporting. State Rep. Bruce Borders dispatched State Rep. Jeff Ellington who had moved into HD45. In the new HD46, Democrat Andrea Hunley won a five-way race. "This victory proves that the people of SD46 hold the power," Hunley tweeted in a video.

House Republican incumbents losing included State Rep. John Young who lost to Robb Greene in HD47 48-30%, while State Rep. Dan Leonard lost to Wabash County Councilwoman Lorissa Sweet. In HD93, State Rep. John Jacob was trailing businesswoman Julie McGuire 69 to 31% with just 30% of the vote reporting.

In the open HD25, Republican Becky Cash defeated former state rep Matt Whetstone and former BMV Commissioner Kent Abernathy with 39% of the vote. 

For former vice president Mike Pence, it was a mixed night. He hosted a fundraiser for Ron Turpin in the open SD14, who was soundly defeated by Tyler Johnson. But Pence endorsed old friend Greg Garrison for Hamilton County prosecutor. Garrison won, saying, "This election is about ensuring that Hamilton County is safer for our residents now and training the next generation of prosecutors for the continued safety of our children, grandchildren, and generations to come. I have built a working relationship with law enforcement over the years, and I have earned their trust. Many can recall back in the 90’s when it was said that I wouldn’t be able to put Mike Tyson behind bars. I did.”

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