If Indianapolis City-County Councilor André Carson (D) wins the special House election in the 7th district next month, he’ll likely serve on the Financial Services Committee.

At a Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee fundraiser Wednesday morning, Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-Mass.) said Carson would get a spot on the committee if he’s elected, according to a Democratic source with knowledge of the comment.

Carson’s grandmother and mentor, the late Rep. Julia Carson (D), served on the Financial Services Committee until she died in December.

Carson faces state Rep. Jon Elrod (R) in the March 11 special election to fill the seat vacated by his grandmother. Both also are running in their respective primaries on May 6 to get their party’s nod for a full term.

Sen. Evan Bayh (D) endorsed Carson earlier this week for the special election, while Sen. Dick Lugar (R) reportedly recently got behind Elrod. The Indianapolis Star also reported that Bayh demurred about endorsing Carson for the May primary.

In that contest, Carson faces former state Health Commissioner Woody Myers (D) and state Rep. David Orentlicher (D), though state Rep. Carolene Mays (D) may also enter the primary.

The Indianapolis district traditionally has voted for Democrats. However, Republicans overthrew a two-term incumbent in the mayor’s office and took the majority in the City-County Council in November.
— Shira Toeplitz and David M. Drucker