Republican Jim Banks and Democrat Valerie McCray are both vying for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat in the upcoming election. Banks is a strong supporter of former President Donald Trump and is favored to win in the predominantly conservative state. McCray, a political newcomer and clinical psychologist, is the first Black woman to be chosen as a mainstream party nominee for U.S. Senate in Indiana.
Banks, who represents Indiana’s 3rd District, has aligned himself with Trump and has a well-funded campaign, while McCray has focused on healthcare and abortion rights. Despite Democrats being energized by McCray’s candidacy, political science professor Michael Wolf notes that Indiana voters have become more conservative in recent years, making it an uphill battle for McCray.
Banks has emphasized border security and immigration, while McCray’s focus has been on promoting healthcare and abortion rights. Both candidates have largely followed their national parties’ talking points in the leadup to Election Day.
The two candidates met for the only Senate debate on October 29, where McCray and Libertarian candidate Andy Horning participated, but Banks did not attend. With Banks’ name recognition and lack of a primary challenger, he is in a strong position leading up to the election. However, McCray is working hard to gain ground in a state where Democrats have historically struggled in statewide elections.
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