Let’s Change the Culture of How We Increase Voter Turnout
Should Incumbent Democrats Be Challenged?
When I began this journey with the '92 Country Plan,' I outlined the challenges facing Hoosiers and other 'rigged' states across the country: voter apathy driven by gerrymandering. In these states, voters often feel powerless, resulting in decreased turnout and community engagement. The numbers speak for themselves. This week, I attended a Town Hall for Indiana’s Second Congressional District, currently represented by Congressman Rudy Yakym. Unfortunately, he was a no-show. A former candidate reminded the 400-plus attendees that she lost her bid for Indiana’s State House because 22,000 Democrats in St. Joseph County did not vote.
In order to reverse this trend, one that isn’t isolated to Northern Indiana but is playing out across the entire state and nation, we must remember that Trump’s regime does not have a true mandate. A staggering 87,934,619 eligible voters, about 36.3%, chose not to vote. That silence speaks volumes. To change this, we must give voters a reason to show up ➡️ not just in a handful of competitive districts, but in every corner of this state and country. A few strong candidates cannot carry the party or the Democratic message alone. It takes all of us, everywhere, every time.
This is my mission. When you know what you’re solving for, the path forward becomes clearer — and so does the work that must be done.
To reverse this trend, Indiana needs a bottom-up strategy that recruits, trains, and funds candidates in every district while providing clear pathways for disengaged voters to take meaningful action.
Solving for Voter Apathy
But let’s ask a tougher question — one that might make some in our own party uncomfortable: could it be that another force is also holding Indiana back in the fight to save our democracy? A few issues back, I raised the concept of “reverse gerrymandering” — how safe Democratic seats are also contributing to voter apathy and disengagement. And it’s time we stop tiptoeing around it.
Many Democrats across Indiana — and this country — are sounding the alarm. They’re frustrated with party leadership and establishment figures who seem unwilling or unable to push back on Trump’s regime and its relentless assault on our Constitution. Voters are demanding bold action on the rising cost of living, affordable housing, healthcare access, education equity, and the climate crisis. Yet too often, the response is silence, lip service, or stale status quo politics.
So let’s talk about Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, a deep blue district that encompasses Marion County, represented by Andre Carson since 2008. The question isn’t whether the seat is safe. The question is: has that safety translated into bold, effective leadership that meets this moment? Because George Hornedo, who’s launched his campaign to represent CD7, says flatly: “No.”
And that’s a challenge worth paying attention to because if we’re serious about revitalizing democracy, we can’t just focus on flipping red seats. We also need to hold our own accountable and demand more from those who claim to represent the values we fight for.
Should Incumbent Democrats Be Challenged?
Lessons from Senator Edward Markey of Massachusetts
In the 2020 election cycle, Joe Kennedy III - grandson of Robert F. Kennedy - challenged Massachusetts Senator Edward Markey in the Democratic primary. In Massachusetts, the Kennedy name is political royalty, and Senator Ed Markey had been a steady, longtime incumbent. So which side do you choose?
This wasn’t just a political debate, it was personal, and it played out across dinner tables all over the state, including mine. My dad was hardcore Markey. My mom? Open to Kennedy. Because, of course - he’s a Kennedy.
But the outcome was unexpected.
Instead of unseating Markey, Kennedy’s challenge lit a fire. It forced Markey’s campaign to confront a major vulnerability: most voters simply didn’t know enough about his record. Markey had always been the kind of public servant who put his head down and did the work — not someone chasing headlines or applause. But in today’s political arena, that’s not enough. Voters need to see the work, understand the impact, and feel the vision.
So Markey adapted. His team rebranded him not as just a legacy senator, but as a progressive force - one who had been fighting the big fights long before they were trending on social media. He leaned into his progressive roots, embraced digital campaigning, and most importantly, he connected with young voters. A major turning point? The endorsement from Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Why AOC?
Because when she came to Washington determined to address the climate crisis, Ed Markey was already there and one of the earliest champions of environmental reform. She sought him out, and the two joined forces to introduce the Green New Deal ♻️ a bold and sweeping framework to tackle the climate emergency and economic inequality head-on.
Their relationship wasn’t just legislative — it was mentorship. AOC has said herself:
“When I first got to Congress, the reception I got in many spaces was very chilly. Ed Markey wasn’t afraid. He offered his expertise and partnership. He wasn’t scared of big policy and didn’t use kid gloves.” (1)
AOC’s endorsement in 2019 didn’t just lend credibility — it ignited Markey’s campaign. She said:
“He knows exactly what communities need to be centered. He knows the issues of our time. And he’s not just resting on his record — he’s aggressively pursuing an agenda for the future. That’s what a progressive is.” (2)
🎥 And together, they had a little fun too - like when AOC helped teach Markey how to use TikTok. The veteran senator embraced the moment, showing not only a willingness to adapt, but also to listen and learn from younger generations.
It worked - No it really worked!
Markey won — with a surge in youth turnout. According to Tufts University's Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE), youth voter turnout in Massachusetts jumped by 10 percentage points from 2016 to 2020. And in the primary, it was clear: young people showed up for Markey. Not just because of AOC, but because he proved he heard them.
Unfortunately for Joe Kennedy, the Kennedy legacy wasn’t enough to carry the day. But his challenge, in my opinion, had a silver lining because it helped strengthen the very incumbent he was trying to unseat. Do I want to see Joe Kennedy run for office again - absolutely ! It was not him time.
Markey’s success wasn’t about personality. It was about authenticity, a strong record, and a willingness to evolve. By stepping up, listening, and embracing progressive energy, he reminded voters why he belonged — not just in the Senate, but in the movement.
To this day, Senator Markey remains a leader and champion for progressive policy.
The question at hand: will Representative André Carson rise to the challenge?
Because here in Indiana’s 7th District 🔵 a safe blue seat 🔵 we face similar questions.
✅ Is leadership keeping pace with the moment?
✅ Are we doing enough to fight back against extremism & Trump’s regime, to address rising costs, the housing crisis, education gaps, the climate emergency?
✅ Are we engaging voters, especially young and marginalized ones or are we relying on the comfort of a safe seat?
George Hornedo has launched his campaign to challenge Carson and he says the answer is “No”.
But just like in Massachusetts, this doesn’t have to be a threat. It can be an opportunity. An opportunity for clarity, for growth, for renewed purpose. Because if we want a Democratic Party that actually represents the people — that actually leads — we can’t just protect incumbents. We have to challenge them to step up or step aside! The mission is too important.
According to Ken Martin, the new Democratic National Committee Chair, DNC:
“In order to ensure we are as effective as possible at electing Democrats to office, it is the D.N.C.’s longstanding position that primary voters — not the national party — determine their Democratic candidates for the general election.” (3)
Mary, I have been making this argument and progressive dems push back! They are concerned George is taking pro Israel donations! André is not fighting for Hoosiers and is not meeting the moment! He can neither step up or step back! I sooooo agree with you AND there is strong pushback. If André would fight for democracy as hard as he supports Palestine Marion county might have looked different!
Your content is so refreshing and on point. Personally, I'm a big fan of Congressman Carson, but I also agree that every Democrat should be challenged because it makes us stronger and helps us represent the electorate. Do I hope Congressman Carson wins the primary, yes. Do I think this primary will strengthen him and in turn the party, also yes. I joked at my County party meeting earlier this month that I hope in 4 years I'm no longer chair. Not because I don't love doing the work, but because I hope there's so many people who want this position and want to do better and that we have an engaged county party who votes for the best option at the time.