Guide Note

André Carson is a Democratic Congressman representing Indiana's 7th Congressional District. He was elected mid-term after his grandmother and current representative Julia Carson died in 2007. He will face numerous contenders from the Republican Party as well as his own in upcoming elections.

Fast Facts

1. Born: October 16, 1974 in Indianapolis, Indiana
2. Party: Democrat
3. Current representative for Indiana's 7th Congressional District
4. Assumed office: March 13, 2008
5. Won a special election held after Representative Julia Carson died mid-term
6. Previous office: Member of the Indianapolis City-County Council
7. Religious affiliation: Muslim
8. Is the second Muslim Congressman in the history of the House of Representatives
9. Endorsed Barack Obama's campaign in April 2008
10. Predecessor Julia Carson was André's grandmother

Since Carson won the seat in a mid-term election to replace Julia Carson, who had 10 months remaining in her term, he had little time in office before facing re-election.

Carson faced seven Democratic contenders in the Democratic primary election held on May 6, 2008. He defeated all seven. In November 2008, Carson will campaign against Republican candidate Jim Elrod, who he had defeated in the previous mid-term election.