Andre Carson Holds Onto Seat Held By Late Grandmother

Democrat Andre Carson, the grandson of the late Rep. Julia Carson (D-Ind.), will be heading to Congress after defeating GOP state Rep. Jon Elrod in Tuesday's special election in Indianapolis. 

The Indianapolis Star called the race for Carrson at 10:36 p.m. With 78 percent of precincts reporting, Carson leads Elrod 53 percent to 44 percent.

Carson will be serving the remainder of his grandmother’s unexpired term, but will soon be facing three other leading Democrats -- state Reps. David Orentlicher, Carolene Mays and former state Health Commissioner Woodrow Myers -- in a May 6 primary for the full term.

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Chris Van Hollen issued a statement congratulating Carson on his victory.

“I am grateful to the Congressional Black Caucus, Senator Evan Bayh and Indiana’s Democratic Congressional Delegation for encouraging the people of this district to vote for change by supporting Andre Carson," Van Hollen said.

"Andre Carson will be a tremendous asset to our Democratic Caucus as we fight to strengthen our economy, end the war in Iraq, and restore the American dream to America’s middle class families."

The winner of the Democratic primary will again face Elrod in the November general election.

With his victory, Carson becomes only the second Muslim to serve in Congress. The first, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), was elected in 2006.