“The Engine Has Stalled”: George Hornedo Campaign Releases Memo Detailing Collapse of Democratic Power in Indiana

As turnout collapses and party infrastructure crumbles, Hornedo calls for new leadership to rebuild Democratic power from the ground up.

 

Monday, June 2, 2025

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Indianapolis, IN — Today, Democratic congressional candidate George Hornedo (IN-07) released a hard-hitting memo exposing the hollowing out of the Democratic Party in Indianapolis and across Indiana. The data-backed report lays bare a devastating truth: Indiana Democrats are not losing because Republicans are strong. They’re losing because Democratic leadership is asleep at the wheel.

 

“You can’t build a winning party on fumes. And right now, the engine has stalled in Indianapolis,” said Hornedo. “Turnout is collapsing, the precinct structure is broken, and those in power are more interested in protecting positions than building something that serves people. We can’t afford to keep losing and we won’t turn things around until we change who’s in charge.”

 

Key Findings from the Memo:

 

• Worst Turnout in the State: Indiana’s 7th District, the heart of Democratic Indianapolis, had the lowest voter turnout of any congressional district in the state in both 2022 and 2024.

 

• Precinct Infrastructure in Ruins: Over one-third of Democratic precinct leadership positions in Marion County are unfilled—neighborhoods are being ignored, and organizing power is going to waste.

 

• Fundraising Failure: Rep. André Carson raises less than half what the average member of Congress raises and gives little of it back to build Democratic power locally or nationally.

 

• Leadership Vacuum: Neither Carson nor Mayor Joe Hogsett have stepped up as party builders and the results speak for themselves. While other red states have Democratic governors and turnout in the 70s and 80s, Indianapolis is barely breaking 50%.

 

“When Democrats were winning statewide, Indianapolis was the driver,” Hornedo said. “Now we’re the drag. But it doesn’t have to be this way.”

 

Hornedo’s Vision: Rebuild from the 7th

 

Hornedo, a national Democratic strategist and grassroots organizer, is running not just to replace a congressman, but to rebuild a party. His campaign has already recruited new volunteers, launched a peer-to-peer fundraising program, and reengaged young and disillusioned voters.

 

“I’ve helped build campaigns and coalitions across the country,” Hornedo said. “Now I’m bringing that energy home because I believe Indianapolis can rise again. But it’s going to take leadership with the urgency, the vision, and the work ethic to actually deliver.”

 

A Warning —and a Call to Action

 

The memo warns that unless Indianapolis turns things around, Democrats could lose the ability to compete statewide for a generation. “We are fluke-proof right now,” the memo says. “It doesn’t matter if we’re running against the worst Republicans in the country. We still lose. That has to change.”

 

“This race isn’t just about one seat,” Hornedo added. “It’s about whether Indiana Democrats wake up or keep sleepwalking toward irrelevance. I’m here to lead the wake-up call.”

 

The full memo is available HERE.