Hoosier Enquirer Calls Race for J.D. Ford in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District

DECISION DESK CALLS RACE FIRST AGAIN

Nov 3rd, 2026/Muncie, Indiana:

Hoosier Enquirer has called the race for Democrat J.D. Ford over incumbent Republican Victoria Spartz in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District.

According to the outlet, with 90 percent of the vote counted, Ford has 126,777 votes (51.81 percent) to Spartz’s 117,922 votes (48.19 percent). Ford’s lead of roughly 8,855 votes is holding. Hoosier Enquirer described the result as a Democratic pickup in a district Republicans have held for decades.

Other reporting on election night aligned with the early projection. WRTV reported Ford leading with more than 90 percent of the vote counted. The New York Times, drawing on Associated Press and ABC data, later characterized Ford’s position as nearly certain as additional results came in from counties including Hamilton, Delaware, and Howard.

The 5th District covers northern Indianapolis suburbs such as Carmel, Fishers, and Noblesville along with areas including Muncie and Kokomo. Spartz has represented the district since 2021 and won by double-digit margins in her most recent elections. Pre-election ratings from outlets such as the Cook Political Report had listed the seat as Lean or Likely Republican.