By By: Kerry Garrett
Staff-Writer
The 2022 midterm elections were gritty. Rising political tensions and the continually growing rift between parties have catalyzed voter turnout, with conservatives fighting to retain the values on which the nation was founded and liberals insisting that change is the only way to save this nation. Common ground in the present climate is incredibly elusive–the only way to resolve what would otherwise be years-long squabbles is by putting them to a vote.
So, did the “red wave” that Republicans hoped for materialize? A “blue wave”? A “red trickle”? Read on to find out your fellow Hoosiers sent to Washington.
The U.S. House of Representatives election results, by Indiana district, are as follows:
In the 1st district, incumbent Democrat Frank J. Mrvan secured 53% of the vote. Mrvan’s main priorities as a congressman are responding efficiently to emergencies, growing the Northwest Indiana economy, defending women’s rights, advocating for public healthcare and education and protecting the environment.
In the 2nd district, home to IU South Bend, Republican Rudy Yakym took the House seat with 65% of the vote. His main priorities are fighting inflation, pushing back against what he calls the “failed Pelosi-Biden agenda” and supporting law enforcement.
Republican Jim Banks took the 3rd district with 66% of the vote, and he aims to keep Roe V. Wade overturned, support military and law enforcement and strive for a more independent, competitive economy.
The 4th district’s Republican Jim Baird secured 68% of the vote. Baird aims to cut back on massive spendings, reduce inflation and advocate for farmers in the area.
The 5th district was won over by Republican Victoria Sparts with 60% of the vote. Being born in Ukraine, Sparts says it is very important to her that the U.S. closely monitors their weapon-providing system, as well as other relief efforts, claiming that many of these shipments end up in unwanted places like Syria and Russia. She also hopes to improve educational attainment and outcomes and protect the Second Amendment.
In the 6th district, Republican Greg Pence won with 68% of the vote. He aims to advocate for farmers, raise wages, fund the military and keep Roe V. Wade overturned.
In the 7th district, Democrat Andre Carson won with 66% of the vote and aims to achieve economic growth for a secure nation, a strong middle class and equality for all.
In the 8th district, Republican Larry Bushon prevailed with 66% of the vote. Bushon aims to protect the Second Amendment, cut back on massive spending, advocate for farmer’s rights and create a more affordable healthcare system without drastically increasing the tax rate.
Finally, in the 9th district, Republican Erin Houchin won with 65% of the vote. She aims to see an end to Roe V. Wade, protect the Second Amendment, provide extra funding to law enforcement and end illegal immigration.
Republican Todd Young also secured his place in the Senate alongside existing Indiana senator Mike Braun (R). by attaining 58.7% of the statewide vote. Young’s main priorities as a Senator include creating affordable housing for people of all income levels, supporting veterans, improving adoption agencies and education systems and improving public health, especially in curbing the opioid epidemic and providing clean drinking water.
Some of the results of the 2022 midterm election in St. Joseph County are as follows:
Democrat Bill Redman secured his position as the County Sheriff. He hopes to continue improving the county’s mental health campaign, providing new equipment for local law enforcement (such as body cameras, vehicles, guns and tasers) and optimizing communications with local police departments by holding weekly meetings.
Republican Mike Castellon secured his position as County Assessor with 53.1% of the vote. Castellon plans to become familiar and communicative with staff, and aims to find its overall strengths while also mitigating and improving upon its shortfalls. In addition to this, he also plans to do a full, comprehensive audit.
County Auditor, Democrat John Murphy, won by a very slim margin of 50.47%. He says that he sets his standards for St. Joseph County, and the state of Indiana at large, very high. Murphy plans to employ a deputy auditor, and has also prepared the County’s annual budget at $190 million. Along with County Assessor Castellon, he plans to enact the County’s first full audit.
