Republican congressional candidate Patrick McAuley is challenging Democratic U.S. Rep. André Carson in Indiana’s 7th Congressional District, saying the district needs new leadership after 18 years under Carson.

McAuley’s Priorities

McAuley made the comments Saturday at a backpack giveaway at the Frederick Douglass Community Center in Indianapolis’ Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. He criticized Carson’s record and pointed to what he described as job losses in the district’s rail industry since Carson took office in 2008.

McAuley said his priorities include lowering gas, housing, and prescription drug costs. He also criticized PAC contributions to political candidates and said Carson has had his opportunity to address affordability.

McAuley was joined at the event by his father, Doug McAuley, Minister Corey Jones, and community advocate Kevin Ezell. Doug McAuley reflected on the years when his mother, former U.S. Rep. Julia Carson, represented the district. He said the community was safer, people had jobs, and residents were more connected.

Jones said he met Patrick McAuley while working in the community and believes residents should support people willing to put in the work. Ezell said he wants the campaign to focus on character rather than race.

Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.