CQ Politics

The 7th, Indiana’s smallest district in size, is the only one not to have a rural, farming identity. Despite the district’s largely white-collar workforce, it has the state’s lowest median income, and is the conservative state’s most Democratic; it gave John Kerry a statewide high of 58 percent of the 2004 presidential vote.

Almost four times bigger than Fort Wayne, the state’s next-most-populous city, Indianapolis is the state’s banking and commercial center. Heavy industry also plays a role in the city’s economy, with a few automotive plants hanging on despite industry downturns. The joint Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis campus and Butler University make it a hub for higher education. The medical school at IUPUI supports the district’s established health care industry.

Indianapolis also is home to the state’s major professional sports teams: football’s Colts and basketball’s Pacers and Fever. Despite the teams’ local support, the 7th’s biggest pro sport is auto racing — the Indianapolis Motor Speedway hosts the annual Indianapolis 500 race.

Indianapolis also is home to the national headquarters of The American Legion, the largest veterans organization in the world. The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, located in Monument Circle, complements a skyline graced by the state Capitol. The city has undergone considerable revitalization, particularly in the Fountain Square area.

Large minority populations in central Indianapolis — where some neighborhoods are up to 65 percent black — form the 7th’s core and the base of its strong Democratic support. In the city’s northern tier, white-collar residents are some of the wealthiest in the state and are more receptive to Republican candidates. Overall, the 7th has a Democratic tilt, although some residents tend toward social conservatism.

Major Industry

Manufacturing, health care, higher education

Cities

Indianapolis (pt.), 619,827; Lawrence (pt.), 28,086

notable

The NCAA Hall of Champions is on the western edge of downtown Indianapolis; President Benjamin Harrison, John Dillinger, poet James Whitcomb Riley, three vice presidents and 10 Indiana governors are buried in Indianapolis’ Crown Hill cemetery.