Andre Carson defeated Republican state Representative Jon Elrod 54%-43% in a hard-fought special election to succeed his late grandmother in representing Indiana’s 7th congressional district. The toughest battle, however, would come just eight weeks later when Carson faced a strong field of seven challengers in the Democratic primary. In a campaign that emphasized his background in public service and commitment to the people of Indiana, Carson captured an astounding 46% of the vote, despite being heavily outspent by former state health commissioner Woody Myers, who finished second with 24%.
In November 2008, Carson swept to an easy victory over Republican challenger Gabrielle Campo, winning 65%-35%.
