District 9 Congressional Candidates

UPDATE: Andy Ruff won the June 2 Democratic Party primary. Get a summary of other Monroe County election results here.

This page provides information about candidates in June 2 Democratic Party primary races for the 9th District Congressional seat. The winner will face Republican Trey Hollingsworth, the incumbent, Independent John Tilford, and Libertarian Tonya Millis on Nov. 3.

This is a two-year term for the seat representing south-central Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives, including Brown, Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Monroe, Orange, and Washington counties as well as parts of Crawford, Morgan, and Scott counties. Click here for a district map.

Five Democrats will vie to be their party's candidate in the Nov. 3 general election: Liam Dorris, Brandon Hood, James O'Gabhann III, Mark Powell, and Andy Ruff. Click here to watch a March 10 forum with these candidates hosted by Democracy for Monroe County. Click here for candidate responses to a Concerned Scientists @ IU questionnaire.

Liam Dorris (D)

Liam Dorris is a former Marine who works in the field of metrology. He lives in Bloomington. He did not respond to the Chamber's requests for an interview.

Answers to questions from the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce: NA
Link to campaign website
Link to Facebook campaign page

Brandon Hood (D)

Brandon Hood is a Bloomington resident and activist. He previously ran for District 9 in the 2018 Democratic Party primary. He declined the Chamber's request for an interview.

Answers to questions from the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce: NA
Link to campaign website
Link to Facebook campaign page

James O'Gabhann III (D)

James O'Gabhann III is an elementary school teacher who lives in the Los Angeles area. He is originally from Tipton, Indiana, and said he plans to move back to Indiana if elected.

Mark Powell (D)

Mark Powell is a Lutheran pastor who has also worked as a radio broadcaster, communications consultant, and legislative aide. He lives in Whiteland in Johnson County.

Andy Ruff (D)

Andy Ruff, a Bloomington resident, is an academic advisor for the Indiana University human biology program. He served on the Bloomington City Council for 20 years, but lost his latest bid for re-election in 2019.