(East Chicago, IN) - Another Republican has thrown his hat in the ring for the state’s 1st District Congressional seat.
Ben Ruiz, of East Chicago, is a small business owner, who is running on an “America First” platform. Upon announcing his candidacy, Ruiz made this statement:
"I have declared my candidacy because I feel there are issues facing Northwest Indiana that need to be focused on immediately, and not minimized by party or politics, as we continue moving in the wrong direction. Our sense of who we are as a home of family values and economic freedoms is being threatened by liberal and socialist agendas, along with inside-party fighting. Partisan politics cost the voters the opportunity to have who they send to Washington diminished by back-room deals. We have a better sense of community when we know that our representatives are fighting for our values and not the government’s. Transparency is key when carefully planning and considering decisions within the area. We must effectively be able to communicate with the people of Northwest Indiana, and not only allow them to help make our communities great again, but America Great Again.”
Ruiz spent some time in La Porte County while running in the previous Republican primary. “Since running in the 2022 primary, I have come to understand our region better,” he said. “We love Northwest Indiana because we are a diverse community with close ties to one another. We are open to visitors and outside commuters, but we have no desire to become another Chicago where safety runs on a thin line.”
Ruiz goes against Randy Niemeyer, Lake County Republican Party Chair, in the primary. The incumbent is Democrat Frank Mrvan, who won in 2022 with just under 53% of the vote.
The 1st District covers Lake and Porter Counties, as well as western portions of La Porte County.
