Democratic State Sen. JD Ford has formally announced his candidacy for Congress in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District, saying encouragement from voters, frustration with Washington politics, and recent redistricting decisions pushed him to enter the race.
Ford said the decision followed months of conversations with Hoosiers across the district who urged him to run, particularly after changes to congressional maps and what he described as a growing disconnect between elected officials and everyday residents. He characterized his candidacy as a response to voters who feel affordability and basic quality-of-life issues are being ignored.
“This district deserves someone who is focused on people’s real lives, not cable news talking points,” Ford said, adding that rising costs, access to health care, mental health services, and child care remain top concerns he hears repeatedly from constituents.
Ford, who represents portions of Marion and Hamilton counties in the Indiana Senate, pointed to the 2025 redistricting vote as a turning point. He said the new lines reshaped political dynamics in the district and created a responsibility to offer voters a meaningful alternative. Rather than pursuing another term in the Statehouse or seeking higher statewide office, Ford said he decided the 5th District race was where he could have the most impact.
The district, long considered reliably Republican, has undergone significant demographic changes over the past decade. Rapid growth in suburban areas, particularly in Hamilton County, has brought an influx of younger families and professionals. Ford said those changes, combined with economic pressures and dissatisfaction with national politics, have made the district more competitive.
Ford framed affordability as the central theme of his campaign, citing housing costs, health care expenses, and child care as issues cutting across party lines. He also criticized national leaders for dismissing voter concerns about inflation and tariffs, arguing that working families feel the consequences first.
While acknowledging the district’s competitive primary field, Ford said he is not seeking to “clear the field” or secure early endorsements. Instead, he said primary voters should decide the nominee without party leaders “tapping” a preferred candidate. “Voters are perfectly capable of making that choice themselves,” he said.
Ford also sought to distinguish himself from what he called “generic Democrats,” pointing to his legislative record and willingness to break with party leadership when he believes constituents’ interests are at stake. He cited his experience navigating bipartisan issues at the Statehouse and said that approach would carry over to Congress.
“I call balls and strikes as I see them,” Ford said. “People want honesty and transparency more than ideology.”
Looking ahead, Ford said his campaign will focus on direct voter engagement, with plans to visit communities throughout the district, including Anderson, Kokomo, and towns across Hamilton County. He said listening sessions and one-on-one conversations will be central to shaping his policy priorities.
Ford expressed confidence that his message can resonate in a district often viewed as challenging for Democrats, arguing that shifting demographics and economic realities have opened the door for a different kind of campaign centered on affordability and accountability.
