It didn’t take long for a Republican to announce her candidacy for the Ninth District Congressional seat being vacated by Trey Hollingsworth.
Hollingsworth wrote an op-ed for the Indianapolis Star—which is not in his district—outlining why he isn’t seeking reelection in 2022.
Erin Houchin (R-Salem) has been a reliable vote for the GOP’s super majority in the state senate since she assumed office in 2014. She wrote legislation incentivizing private companies to expand broadband access in unserved communities.
This year, Houchin has authored several bills and serves as a Senate co-sponsor to a House bill that would remove license requirements to carry a handgun.
In a statement, she echoed standard items from conservatives, mentioning the border and inflation.
Previously, Houchin was defeated by Hollingsworth in the Republican primary in 2016, after the seat was vacated by current U.S. Sen. Todd Young.
The Republican-dominated Legislature kept the 9th District solidly Republican in redistricting that takes effect for this year’s election. The revamped district covers the largely rural southeastern corner of Indiana, including the cities of New Albany, Jeffersonville, Bloomington, Greensburg and Madison.
Houchin’s husband, Dustin Houchin, is the Washington County prosecutor.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
