Candidates Vie in 2026 Races Across Four States

Election coverage spans congressional and state races in Utah, Indiana, Illinois and Ohio in 2026. In Utah House District 49, Republican incumbent Candice Pierucci faces Democrat Lillian Bowles; Bowles emphasizes public education and constituent access, while Pierucci cites her legislative record, including a law requiring proof of citizenship to vote in state elections. In Indiana, Democrat Cinde Wirth is seeking a rematch against Republican Rep. Jefferson Shreve in the 6th District, and Democratic state Sen. JD Ford is challenging Republican Rep. Victoria Spartz in the 5th District, with cost-of-living pressures, accountability and policy issues in focus. Five candidates are competing for Indiana secretary of state, including Republican Max Engling, Democrat Beau Bayh and three independent-party candidates, after incumbent Diego Morales lost his party’s nomination amid controversies involving nepotism, contracts and spending. In Illinois, Patty Garcia and Lupe Castillo are seeking the 4th District seat, while Melissa Bean and Jennifer Davis are competing in the 8th; in Ohio House District 47, Republican incumbent Diane Mullins faces Democrat Jordan Haire and Libertarian Jason Purviance.