Every incumbent representing portions of Bartholomew County in the Indiana General Assembly and U.S. Congress who is up for re-election this year has filed to run for another term, according to records with the Indiana Election Division.
The lawmakers, all Republicans, have filed for their party’s nomination for their seats in the 2026 primary, which will be held May 5. Primary elections are held to nominate candidates from each party to appear on the general election ballot in the fall.
Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Indiana, has filed to run again in Indiana’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes a slice of southwestern Bartholomew County, as well as all of Jackson, Jennings and Brown counties, among other counties.
At the federal level, she is joined by Rep. Jefferson Shreve, R-Indiana, who is seeking re-election in Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District, which includes most of Bartholomew County, all of Johnson County, among other counties.
At the state level, Rep. Jim Lucas, R-Seymour, and Rep. Jennifer Meltzer, R-Shelbyville, have filed to seek another term. They join Sen. Greg Walker, R-Columbus, and Rep. Ryan Lauer, R-Columbus, who are also seeking re-election.
However, one of the incumbents is already facing primary challenges, and some Democrats have filed to run for their party’s nomination in the 2026 primary.
Walker is being challenged by Indiana Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, for the GOP nomination for Senate District 41.
Two Democrats — Brad A. Meyer and Keil Roark — have filed to run for their party’s nomination for Indiana’s Ninth Congressional District.
David Boyd has filed to run for the Democratic nomination for Indiana’s Sixth Congressional District.
Bartholomew County Democratic Party Chair Ross Thomas has filed to run for the Democratic nomination for Senate District 41.
Chris Bowen has filed for the Democratic nomination for Indiana House District 69. Lucas currently holds the District 69 seat.
More incumbents may face primary challenges. Candidates have until Feb. 6 to file paperwork to run in the primary.
The deadline to register to vote for the 2026 primary is April 6, according to the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office.
