INDIANAPOLIS — Jim Banks, a Republican with a strong backing from former President Donald Trump, is aiming to secure Indiana’s vacant U.S. Senate position. He is up against Democrat Valerie McCray in a race set in a state that is traditionally known for its conservative leanings.

At 45 years old, Banks is seen as the leading contender for the Senate seat, particularly given Indiana’s support for Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections. His reputation as a vigorous defender of Trump was cemented when he voted against the certification of Joe Biden’s election win following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riots by Trump supporters. Interestingly, in the May primary, Banks faced no opposition since legal issues led to the disqualification of his would-be challenger, egg farmer John Rust.

Currently serving as a congressman for Indiana’s 3rd District, Banks chose to exit the House to pursue this Senate opportunity. He is filling in for retiring Republican Mike Braun, who is running for governor of Indiana, with the current officeholder, Republican Governor Eric Holcomb, facing term limits.

Valerie McCray, a 65-year-old clinical psychologist based in Indianapolis, is stepping onto the political stage for the first time as she vies for the Senate seat. Previously, in 2022, she attempted to challenge Republican U.S. Senator Todd Young but failed to gather enough signatures to feature in the Democratic primary. The seat Young holds is not up for contest again until 2028.

In the recent May Democratic primary, McCray triumphed over former state representative Marc Carmichael to become the first Black woman to be nominated by a major Indiana party for the U.S. Senate. McCray and Libertarian candidate Andy Horning participated in the singular debate for the Senate race on October 29, but Banks opted not to attend.

Political scientist Michael Wolf, who chairs his department at Purdue-Fort Wayne, observed that both Banks and McCray have mainly followed the messaging lines set by their respective national parties leading up to election day. He noted that Banks emphasizes issues surrounding border security and immigration, while McCray focuses on healthcare and abortion rights.

Wolf characterized Banks as a “formidable candidate” due to his name recognition and well-funded campaign, which benefited from not having to finance a competitive primary. Although McCray’s campaign has sparked enthusiasm among Democratic supporters, Wolf highlighted the challenge she faces—Indiana has leaned increasingly conservative in recent years, making statewide success elusive for the party.

“She’s got a lot of work to do and she’s working against trends,” he commented.