Democratic State Senator J.D. Ford has defeated incumbent Republican Victoria Spartz in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District.

The 5th District will be represented by a Democrat for the first time in 30 years.

“Hoosiers made history, and they sent a message that will be heard far beyond Indiana’s 5th District,” Ford said.

With 95% of the vote counted, Ford pulled ahead with nearly 52% of the vote compared to Spartz’s 48%.

“This victory belongs to every person who has felt ignored by Washington, every family struggling to make ends meet, and every voter who refused to believe that change was impossible,” Ford added. “Hoosiers are demanding leaders who put people ahead of powerful interests and deliver results that make their lives better. I’m truly honored that Hoosiers have trusted me to be the person who fights for that change, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.”

Ford centered his campaign around lowering daily costs, protecting access to affordable healthcare, and restoring accountability in Washington.

“Hoosiers are working harder, paying more, and getting less in return,” Ford said. “Families are struggling to afford groceries, utilities, and healthcare while powerful corporations and wealthy interests continue to get ahead in Washington.”

Ford emphasized that voters deserve a government that works for them.

“I’m going to Congress to fight corruption, stand up to corporate interests, and make sure the decisions being made in Washington put people and their families first,” he added.