Indiana's 4th Congressional District Heats Up Ahead of 2026 Primary

Multiple Democratic and Republican candidates vie for the seat, including the incumbent Rep. Jim Baird

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:11pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty government office or legislative chamber, with warm sunlight streaming in through the windows and deep shadows casting an air of solemnity and contemplation.As the race for Indiana's 4th Congressional District heats up, the historic halls of government stand empty, reflecting the high stakes and ideological divides at play.Mooresville Today

The race for Indiana's 4th Congressional District is heating up as multiple Democratic and Republican candidates have thrown their hats in the ring ahead of the 2026 primary election. On the Republican side, the primary includes incumbent Rep. Jim Baird as well as former state Rep. Craig Haggard. The Democratic primary features a diverse slate of candidates including a university professor, a farmer, a truck driver, and more.

Why it matters

This race will be a key battleground as both parties look to gain or maintain control of the House of Representatives. The 4th District has historically leaned Republican, but the Democratic candidates are hoping to make inroads by focusing on issues like healthcare, education, and workers' rights.

The details

The Republican primary features incumbent Rep. Jim Baird, who has held the seat since 2019, and former state Rep. Craig Haggard. On the Democratic side, the primary includes Drew Cox, a Purdue professor; Darin Patrick Griesey, a farmer and community organizer; Thomas D. Hall Jr., an Indianapolis native; Joe Mackey, a retired machinist; Jayden McCash, a Teamsters truck driver; Paul McPherson, an engineer and teacher; and John Phillip Whetstone, a Crawfordsville native.

  • Hoosiers can register to vote for the 2026 Primary Election through April 6.
  • The primary election is scheduled for May 2026.

The players

U.S. Rep. Jim Baird

The incumbent Republican representative for Indiana's 4th Congressional District, first elected in 2019. Baird is a lifelong resident of the district, a veteran, and a farmer and small business owner.

Craig Haggard

A former Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives, Haggard is challenging Baird in the GOP primary. Haggard is a Marine veteran and small business owner from Mooresville.

Drew Cox

A visiting instructor at Purdue University, Cox is running for the Democratic nomination. He is a veteran who used the GI Bill to pursue higher education at Indiana University.

Darin Patrick Griesey

A fourth-generation Hoosier with a background in farming, nonprofit work, and community development, Griesey is seeking the Democratic nomination.

Thomas D. Hall Jr.

An Indianapolis native and resident of Martinsville, Hall is running on a platform of ensuring access to essential healthcare and empowering workers.

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What they’re saying

“'We're fighting for a society where all Americans have a real chance at attaining this American dream, an America where your vote matters.'”

— Drew Cox, Democratic Candidate

“'For too long, our district has needed leaders who understand both the soil beneath our feet and the hopes that drive us forward. I'm running to make the dreams of tomorrow the policy of today—because government works when government is working for the people.'”

— Darin Patrick Griesey, Democratic Candidate

What’s next

Hoosiers will head to the polls in May 2026 to select the Republican and Democratic nominees for Indiana's 4th Congressional District. The general election will follow in November 2026.

The takeaway

This race highlights the ideological divides within both parties as they vie for control of the House of Representatives. The Democratic candidates are running on progressive platforms focused on issues like healthcare, workers' rights, and education, while the Republicans are emphasizing traditional conservative values like the Second Amendment and border security.