State Representative Craig Haggard, a Republican from the 57th district, who has recently been involved in a controversy over an AI-generated deepfake video falsely depicting his wife, will formally announce his candidacy for Indiana’s 4th Congressional District on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.
The event, called the “Constitutional Oath Rally,” will take place at the Charleston Pavilion in Hummel Park, Plainfield, beginning at 6 p.m.
Haggard is challenging incumbent U.S. Representative Jim Baird, who currently holds the 4th Congressional District seat.
The announcement follows a controversy involving an AI-generated pornographic deepfake video falsely depicting Haggard’s wife topless at a charity event. Reports indicate that staff members in Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith’s office viewed and allegedly shared the manipulated video earlier this year. Lt. Governor Beckwith’s office denies wrongdoing and states an internal investigation found no evidence of misconduct.
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears is reportedly investigating the matter, and federal authorities are also involved. Creating and distributing nonconsensual pornographic deepfakes is prohibited under Indiana law and federal statutes.
