By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/democrat-j-d-ford-wins-election-to-u-s-house-in-indianas-5th-congressional-district Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Democrat J.D. Ford wins election to U.S. House in Indiana's 5th Congressional District Politics Nov 4, 2026 1:29 AM EST 2026 ELECTION COVERAGE: Watch Live | Poll Closing Times | All Live Results | Live Updates | Live Fact Check In an upset that many analysts did not see coming, Democratic nominee J.D. Ford defeated three-term Rep. Victoria Spartz in Indiana's 5th Congressional District in Tuesday's election. The Democratic pickup came in a district that President Donald Trump won by nearly 17 percentage points two years ago. READ MORE: Trump says Democrats 'did a good job,' blames Republican candidates for midterm losses Ford is the first openly gay member of the Indiana General Assembly. Spartz is the first and only Ukrainian-born member of Congress. The defeat demonstrated the Democratic Party's success this election cycle breaking through not just in the nation's traditional battleground districts, but in several deep red ones as well. Explore more of…
Democrat J.D. Ford wins election to U.S. House in Indiana's 5th Congressional District
In short
The race resulted in an unanticipated flip as Democrat J.D. Ford defeated three-term incumbent Republican Victoria Spartz in Indiana. Ford's victory highlighted the Democratic Party's capacity to extend its reach beyond traditional battleground districts and secure wins in staunchly conservative regions. The matchup also featured two historic figures, pitting Indiana's first openly gay state assembly member against the first and only Ukrainian-born member of Congress.
Key points
- The election outcome delivered an unexpected upset that defied predictions made by many p…: The election outcome delivered an unexpected upset that defied predictions made by many political analysts.
- Democratic candidates demonstrated an ability to win elections outside of standard battle…: Democratic candidates demonstrated an ability to win elections outside of standard battleground territories during the cycle.
- Donald Trump admitted Democrats performed well while pointing the blame at Republican nom…: Donald Trump admitted Democrats performed well while pointing the blame at Republican nominees for the midterm defeats.