Incumbent Matt Pierce is to earn the Democratic nomination for Indiana’s House District 61 Representative after defeating challenger Lilliana Young in Tuesday’s primary, the Associated Press called.
Pierce held 67% of the vote with over 95% of ballots in on Tuesday evening.
Pierce has held onto the seat, which represents much of Bloomington, since 2002, with Young being his first primary challenger in over two decades.
He is the assistant Democratic House floor leader and an Indiana University alum. He also works as a senior lecturer in IU’s Media School. Previously, he served on Bloomington’s City Council and as chief of staff for former U.S. Rep. Baron Hill.
The main issues of his campaign include accessible healthcare, protecting freedom of speech and economic affordability. During his time as District 61 representative, he’s voted against redistricting and for criminal code reform.
There is no Republican candidate for District 61. Pierce will run uncontested in November’s general election.
