Frank Mrvan won his bid to be the next U.S. representative for the 1st Congressional District, securing a continued Democratic hold on the seat that has been in Dem hands since 1931.
Mrvan, Republican nominee Mark Leyva and Libertarian nominee Edward Mike Strauss were all on the ballot to replace longtime U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Gary.
By Wednesday morning, Mrvan had about 61% of votes in Lake County with 329 precincts of 357 precincts reported, according to election data. In Porter County, Leyva won with about 48% of the vote with all 123 precincts and absentee mail-in ballots reported, according to election data. LaPorte did not have data readily available Wednesday morning.
In a statement released Tuesday night, Mrvan said he “welcome(s) the tremendous responsibility of this office and look forward to using my experiences and knowledge to pragmatically address the incredible challenges of today.”
“We must act with all urgency to address the pandemic and the economic uncertainty that is impacting all of us. I also look forward to bringing our region together so we can continue to focus on attracting federal resources so that we can transform our economy and create more good-paying jobs, access to affordable health care, and a safe and secure retirement for everyone,” Mrvan said in the statement.
Visclosky announced last year that he would not seek reelection after 35 years in Congress. Following the announcement, 20 candidates – 14 Democrats and six Republicans – filed to run for the seat, which has been held by a Democrat since 1931, in the primary election. During the primary, Visclosky endorsed Mrvan.
In a statement, Visclosky congratulated Mran on his election to Congress, and said he “look(ed) forward to his continued success.”
“Representative-elect Mrvan has proven throughout his career to be one of the most sincere, decent, and honorable individuals I have ever met, and I know he has the character and skills to excel as a member of Congress. There remains a great amount of work that needs to be done in Northwest Indiana and our nation,” Visclosky said in the statement.
Lake County Democratic Party Chairman James Wieser said he was “extremely pleased” that Mrvan was elected, and that he foresees a “pretty seamless transition” between Mrvan and Visclosky.
Once in office, Wieser said that he is confident, based on previous conversations, that Mrvan will focus on health care and creating jobs.
“That’s critical. Those are overarching issues,” Wieser said. “I know he’s going to emphasize the unions in that process and work with them.”
Wednesday morning, Leyva said he appreciated the hard work of his volunteers and supporters, and he wished Mrvan “best of luck.”
“I wasn’t totally surprised, but I thought it would be a little narrow margins,” Leyva said. “Unfortunately, I fell short.”
Around 7:15 p.m. Tuesday, Mrvan stopped by his campaign headquarters in Merrillville and made a victory speech to his supporters and staff. Wearing masks, about a dozen of Mrvan’s staff and members of United Steelworkers – who endorsed Mrvan and supported Visclosky – were at the campaign headquarters to greet him when he arrived.
Mike Millsap, United Steelworkers District 7 Director, said the union was the first organization to endorse Mrvan.
“It’s going to be an honor for steelworkers to work with (Mrvan). We’re close with him as we were with (Visclosky), and we’re going to take care of Northwest Indiana,” Millsap said.
Mrvan thanked his family and those who helped and supported his campaign. Mrvan also thanked Visclosky “for his grace and dignity, how he has … represented the working men and women of Northwest Indiana, and has done it steadfastly and with grace.”
The country has been facing a pandemic and record unemployment for the better part of the year, Mrvan said. As a North Township Trustee, Mrvan said he worked to help people as they face challenging times.
“I have looked people in the eyes who didn’t have hope, who were uncertain about their future, who didn’t have access to health care, who wanted access to mental health and addiction services. Now, we have to fight that same battle in Washington, D.C.,” Mrvan said.
In Washington, Mrvan said he will focus on health care and “squashing the pandemic” with a national response. Additionally, Mrvan said he will focus on getting “workers back to work with an infrastructure bill that focuses on using American steel.”
Mrvan said his campaign was supported be a diverse group of people, and that he will represent all 750,000 people in the 1st District. As the country goes through social unrest, Mrvan said he will fight for the “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” for all to “end racial injustice and racism.”
In Congress, Mrvan said he “will work with all like-minded people to be able to find a solution,” to problems facing the Northwest Indiana and the nation.
“When we find a solution, we will advocate for it and we’ll do everything we can to make sure the 1st Congressional district is back at work, is healthy and safe, and most importantly we bring decency back to our national government,” Mrvan said. “It’s a serious job for very serious times.”
In an interview with the Post-Tribune, Mrvan said he was feeling “confident” as ballots were being counted. As of about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Mrvan said he hadn’t talked to Visclosky yet, but he’s “certain” they will talk in the coming days. His father has served in the state senate, and has also offered him advice, Mrvan said.
“As a state senator, he has worked across the aisle. His greatest advice that he has always given me is respect the voter, realize that you have to be on the voter’s side … and always just listen to people,” Mrvan said. “Be a good listener, and when you give your word stick to it.”
