Who's In the Race

Two candidates advanced from Indiana's primary races on May 5 and will compete in Indiana's 3rd U.S. House District general election set for Nov. 3.

Republican Marlin Stutzman, the incumbent, won his party's primary with about 68.2 percent of the vote, defeating Jon Kenworthy. Democrat Kelly Thompson ran unopposed in her primary, collecting all 21,146 votes cast.

What They Stand For

Marlin Stutzman (Republican)

Stutzman's campaign website lists the economy as a top issue, framing his background as a business owner and author of a "Conservative Congressional budget" as central qualifications for addressing inflation.

Border security is what his campaign describes as his "top priority." His platform calls for completing the border wall, advocates for a legal immigration system that "protects our citizens from the threats we already face," and describes a guiding principle of a "high wall and a wide gate."

On education, his campaign website lists "Hands Off Our Kids / Improving Education and Parental Rights" as a top issue and has expressed concern about what it calls "cultural humanists in our education system."

Stutzman's platform also targets what he describes as "corruption in federal bureaucracies," and his campaign website frames his work as "fighting for freedom, faith and Christian values on the national level."

Kelly Thompson (Democrat)

Thompson's campaign website makes universal health care a top priority. In the WFYI 2026 Voter Guide, she said her plans are "for universal health care that will save every person money and will also save our economy money."

Her campaign website includes a dedicated jobs and energy policy page. Her "About Me" page states she will "work to protect our paychecks, our businesses, and the security of our nation," with a focus on local economic growth. Her energy policy addresses grid security as a civilian, emergency services, and military concern, including risks from cyberattacks.

Thompson lists defending public education as a central plank, and the LaGrange County Chamber of Commerce voter guide lists education among her top three priorities.

Her platform also includes protecting reproductive freedom and a detailed policy page on "Restoring Trust in Democratic Elections," which calls for mandatory public disclosure of lobbyists' clients, compensation, and legislative targets, as well as algorithmic transparency requirements for major social media platforms with 50 million or more U.S. users. Her "About Me" page states: "We all need legislators who are brave, not corrupt, and who know their job is to serve the people, not the president."

Thompson has noted that she previously voted and ran as a Republican until 2016. She is a co-owner of a concrete contracting company and founder of a nonprofit serving struggling families.

The Money Behind the Race

Outside spending in Indiana's 3rd District totals $15,010, all directed toward the Republican side of the race. Every dollar recorded is in support of a candidate; no opposition spending has been reported.

The sole outside spender on record is the Freedom Caucus Fund, which accounts for the full $15,010. FEC periodic report coverage runs through Sept. 21; notices filed after that date may not yet be reflected in these totals.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

Three major race-rating services all classify this contest as Solid Republican: Cook Political Report as of Sept. 25; Sabato's Crystal Ball as of Sept. 22; and Inside Elections as of Sept. 17.

Prediction market Kalshi put the Republican's probability of winning at about 94 percent as of Sept. 28, with the Democrat at about six percent.

Republicans won eight of nine U.S. House races and the one U.S. Senate race on the ballot in Indiana in 2022, then won seven of nine House races and the one Senate race in 2024. In this specific district in 2022, the Republican nominee won with about 65 percent of the vote. In 2024, Stutzman carried the seat with about 65 percent.

At the top of the ticket in 2024, Donald Trump won Indiana with nearly 59 percent of the vote.

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