Meet The 7th Congressional District Candidates: André Carson And Wayne 'Gunny' Harmon

Rep. André Carson (D-Indianapolis) and Republican challenger Wayne (Gunny) Harmon 
 

Wayne (Gunny) Harmon is the Republican candidate for the Seventh Congressional District of Indiana. He’ll face incumbent Democrat André Carson in the election next month.

WFYI’s Matt Pelsor spoke with Harmon about his views on representing the Seventh District and the political challenges ahead of him.

Listen to the complete interview:

Interview highlights

On improving the political agenda

“I think what we need is leadership by example. We need people to be involved in the community. Come home on the weekends from DC. Show the people in the organizations that you care and that you’re involved.”

On Running As a Republican

“I think both Democrats and Republicans both like money, both like freedom, both like safety. I do look at the Constitution and I think it seems like the Republican (party) tends to lean toward the Constitution more than the Democrats. There are a couple issues and platforms that separate the Democrats and Republicans.

On Decriminalizing Marijuana

“One of the main thing(s) I’m concerned about is the reinstatement of the Marijuana Act of 1937. And what that would do is help out with criminal justice reform… take it off schedule one and decriminalize it, and that way you reduce the prison population and jail population.”
 

André Carson is the incumbent Democratic candidate for the Seventh Congressional District of Indiana. He faces Republican Wayne (Gunny) Harmon in the election next month. 

WFYI’s Matt Pelsor spoke with Carson about his views on representing the Seventh District, the partisanship in Washington and tariffs. 

Listen to the complete interview:

Interview highlights

On the sceince of climate change

“I think if constituents really want people who represent their interests, they’re going to have to have people regardless of age, regardless of years of service, who have an appreciation for our changing environment.”

On the partisanship in Washington

“There was a time where you could turn on the TV and see very robust debates — Democrats vs. Republicans, and then afterward these folks would go out for a drink — their families knew each other. And I think we’ve gotten away from that sense of camaraderie. We can have disagreements, but those disagreements should not divide us, and those disagreements should not be detrimental to the legislative process.”

On the impact of tariffs

“I think these tariffs are harmful because these other countries, particularly China and others will make us pay the price, which is why we have to have greater investments in our country and we have to have the kind of administration that’s willing to reach out to other nations in a positive way so we can negotiate these bills properly and not just have a president who’s trying to do it alone.”