Messmer Wins Second Term by Narrower Margin

Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer won a second term in Indiana's 8th Congressional District on Tuesday, defeating Democrat Mary Allen. The Associated Press called the race at 9:28 p.m. Eastern time.

Messmer had 117,503 votes, or 55.2%, to Allen's 95,206, or 44.8%, with 94% of the expected vote counted, according to unofficial AP results reported by the Indiana Capital Chronicle. His lead stood at about 22,300 votes.

The margin is narrower than in recent elections in the district. Donald Trump carried the 8th District by about 36 points in 2024, 67.1% to 31.2%. Messmer won the seat that year 68.0% to 29.5% over Democrat Erik Hurt. His unofficial lead this year is about 10 points.

Allen won the district's two largest counties. In Vigo County, she received 14,816 votes, or 53.96%, to Messmer's 12,640, or 46.04%, with all 87 precincts reporting, according to unofficial county results. In Vanderburgh County, Allen received 27,417 votes, or 56.59%, to Messmer's 21,029, or 43.41%, with all 135 precincts reporting. Messmer carried both counties in 2024, by about 20 points in Vigo and 18 points in Vanderburgh.

Allen, an at-large member of the Evansville City Council, said she called Messmer to congratulate him and promised to hold him accountable. She told supporters she was disappointed with the outcome.

"I've heard a lot of stories over the last 16 months of people who are struggling and are hurting and I can't un-know those things," Allen said.

Hoosier First found no public statement from Messmer on the result as of Wednesday morning.

Messmer, of Jasper, is a former Indiana Senate majority leader. He was first elected to Congress in 2024, succeeding Republican Larry Bucshon. He serves on the House Armed Services, Agriculture, and Education and Workforce committees.

Allen is a small-business owner and Army Reserve veteran. She campaigned on protecting Medicaid and Medicare, preserving rural hospitals, expanding affordable housing and lowering the cost of essential goods.

Republicans have held the 8th District since 2010. The district covers southwestern Indiana, including Evansville, Terre Haute and Jasper.

Messmer will return to a House controlled by Democrats, who won a majority on Tuesday, according to the AP.

All results are unofficial until certified.