Deborah Pickett

Deborah A. Pickett (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Indiana's 5th Congressional District. She declared candidacy for the 2026 election.^[source]

Biography

Deborah Pickett served in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1984 to 1989. Pickett earned a bachelor's degree from the Skidmore College in 1981. Her career experience includes working as a community advocate and researcher with the Center for Integrative Development and the Hudson Institute.^[1]

Elections

2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House Indiana District 5

Incumbent Victoria Spartz, Samuel Cooper, Jackson Franklin, and Deborah A. Pickett are running in the general election for U.S. House Indiana District 5 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Victoria Spartz (R)
	Submit photo	Samuel Cooper (D)
	Submit photo	Jackson Franklin (D)
		Deborah A. Pickett (D)

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

William Kory Amyx (D)

Endorsements

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2024

Indiana's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 7 Republican primary)

Indiana's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 7 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Indiana District 5

Incumbent Victoria Spartz defeated Deborah A. Pickett, Robby Slaughter, and Lauri Shillings in the general election for U.S. House Indiana District 5 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Victoria Spartz (R)	56.6	203,293
	Deborah A. Pickett (D)	38.0	136,554
	Robby Slaughter (Independent)	2.7	9,790
	Lauri Shillings (L)	2.7	9,567

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 359,204
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5

Deborah A. Pickett defeated Ryan Pfenninger in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5 on May 7, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Deborah A. Pickett	59.5	11,858
	Ryan Pfenninger	40.5	8,082

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,940
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Jeremy Lee Edom (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5 on May 7, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Victoria Spartz	39.1	31,674
		Chuck Goodrich	33.2	26,865
		Max Engling	9.7	7,841
		Raju Chinthala	7.1	5,742
		Mark Hurt	5.5	4,431
	Submit photo	Larry L. Savage Jr.	1.9	1,569
		Matthew Peiffer	1.7	1,379
		Patrick Malayter	1.0	800
		Lonnie Powell	0.9	729

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 81,030
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Pickett in this election.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

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2024

Deborah A. Pickett completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pickett's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am a former U.S. Army Reservist, prior staff member with the Hudson Institute who worked on international trade and economic studies, and a community activist who has served on numerous boards and committees over the decades. My military experience with the 55th Medical Detachment and then with the 21st Support Command has given me insight into the many challenges facing military personnel and their families, as well as the complexity and lethality of the battlefield. Several generations of my family, including my daughter, have served in the U.S. Armed Forces with reverence for the principles outlined in the U.S. Constitution and love for our magnificent country. My appreciation for how interconnected and dependent we are on our international partners for markets and collaboration arises from my research at Hudson Institute, as does my understanding for the need to support and finance military alliances with foreign allies to maintain stability and peace around the world. Americans benefit immensely from these relationships and commitments that extend beyond our borders. Over the years, I have served on many different community boards and committees and dealt with a range of issues including financial management and oversight, ethical dilemmas, nursing care, parental representation on school committees, wetland mitigation, zoning and development disputes, and neighbor tensions. I am married to Neil Pickett and we have three children and four grandchildren.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Since all rights arise from the U.S. Constitution, my first priority is to protect and preserve our democratic republic and U.S. Constitution. Many of our elected officials continue to show loyalty to a president who repeatedly violated the U.S. Constitution, tried to overturn the legitimate results of the 2020 presidential election and has repeatedly attacked the judicial system. I plan to serve in the US Congress with integrity and fealty to the U.S. Constitution and with deep appreciation for the rule of law and the principles of freedom and liberty responsible for our country's innovation and prosperity.
My second priority is my commitment to protecting our personal rights which have been under attack at the federal and state levels. I will work to codify a woman's right to an abortion. If the world were a perfect place, all men were loyal, financial resources were always secure, no acts of sexual violence occurred, good judgment prevailed all the time, and pregnancies were free from complications, we would not be having this discussion. This is not the case. We are a country that believes in personal freedom and personal responsibility. Therefore these personal decisions should be made in private without government interference and between a woman and her doctor. Government does not belong in the private lives of its citizens.
My third priority is to work to make our federal government more efficient and effective for Hoosiers and Americans, and to fund it without gamesmanship for the longterm. This means that our federal agencies are well- staffed with the expertise to devise smart solutions on our behalf and reduce program redundancies. It also means that agencies have the equipment and software to deliver services promptly and without security risk to the public. An efficient government delivers on its financial promises to hardworking Hoosiers and ensures that programs like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are funded. An efficient government also makes sure that humanitarian and military commitments are funded and delivered in a timely manner.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about public policy issues that impact the broadest number of people. A well-maintained and well-functioning infrastructure with safe bridges and roads, strong communication networks, and a resilient power grid is critical for businesses and all Americans. I care deeply about clean water, clean air, and clean soil for our communities, and worry about environmental degradation and serious public health issues caused by industrial contamination. Financial regulation and systemic financial risk also interest me given the huge role that private equity funds play in our economy and the rise of cryptocurrencies as investments. Trade agreements and military alliances are critical for U.S. national security objectives.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Throughout my life, I have been inspired by my remarkable grandparents and parents. My paternal grandmother was paralyzed with Polio from the waist down at the age of 35 years old and never did I hear her complain of her circumstances. She was a voracious reader and had a stack of books by her bedside and wheelchair that she was constantly reading. Her love for her six children and many grandchildren was boundless. My mother has undergone numerous cancer treatments over the decades and she has relied on her wonderful sense of humor to get her through the rough periods. My father is still writing and publishing articles for military magazines at the age of 88. My parents unconditional love and enthusiastic support for me and my sisters are the source of great strength and courage for each one of us. If all children were raised feeling loved, appreciated and secure in their home, the world would be a different place.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Constitution of the United States and The Federalist Papers. These two documents embody the rigorous debate amongst our Founding Fathers, to design and create a political system and government structure that tames our worst impulses and also allows our best selves to flourish.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official are personal integrity, courage to stand up for democratic principles and to defy authoritarian actions taken by public officials, curiosity to explore and understand the many dimensions of a policy issue, a desire to listen to one's constituents and represent their concerns and desires in Congress, a willingness to collaborate with others on finding workable solutions to complex problems, and love and concern for community.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I love to bring people together to solve problems. I have courage to stand up for principles and to do bold things. I have an insatiable curiosity to learn and to seek knowledge from others, and I care deeply for my community.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe the core responsibilities for a Congresswoman are to understand the issues of greatest concern to her constituents and to know what solutions they seek. I also believe that the complexities and numerous outcomes should be explored, understood and evaluated fully in the process of developing laws and regulations impacting Hoosiers and Americans. Bills and legislation should be crafted so that Americans understand the language, intent and consequences of the legislation. Redundancies and cumbersome, bureaucratic steps should be avoided to prevent confusion and impede efficient actions needed for the public's interest. The legislator should work to ensure government agencies, services, mandates and commitments have the staff, financial resources and sustained funding to efficiently and effectively implement their mission on behalf of the public. Finally, the legislator should ensure the tax structure or method for raising funds is fair, reasonable for the taxpayer, and compels responsible action and compliance.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember watching the funeral procession of President John F. Kennedy on my great grandmother's black and white tv set and feeling very sad for Caroline and John Jr. who were close to my age of four years old

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first summer job was as a cleaning woman at a facility for boys who were homeless or without reliable family care. I would make the dorm beds, clean the bathrooms with Clorox, mop the floors, and mend holes in their pants. I do not recall seeing stuffed animals, toys or colorful decor. It was a sterile, loveless, joyless, and lonely place for children. I shed many tears that summer and later in my life befriended and helped other children suffering such fates to experience love, fun, affection, support and my attention. These children are now adults with lives of their own and they are still dear to my heart.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown. It weaves many wonderful elements together and is a book about human courage, endurance, hard work and teamwork during a period of national and global upheaval. Drama and inspiration on many different levels.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

When I was growing up, I loved James Bond and wanted to live his life of adventure, glamour and danger.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

My Favorite Things. My grandchildren sing it to me when I tuck them into bed.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Being a perfectionist means that sometimes it takes me an inordinate amount of time to accomplish a task.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The U.S. House of Representatives is a unique institution because its large and diverse membership represents many different parts of the country and allows for a wide range of viewpoints and backgrounds of Americans to be considered during the policy making process. The House of Representatives gives power to the people. U.S. Representatives are tasked with making the laws by which Americans govern themselves and for raising the taxes and revenues critical for an effective and efficient government that works on behalf of the American people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes, I think previous experience in government or politics is beneficial for representatives. But I also know that is not always possible. I hope that my years at Hudson Institute working on public policy issues, military service, and decades of community activism prepare me well to represent Hoosiers in Congress.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Our greatest challenge as a nation over the next decade will be how to counter the many potentially negative consequences of a complex, interconnected, and global world, when our political leaders lack integrity and moral courage and Americans are divided so deeply. Our democracy and government provide the principles, structure, judicial system, laws, and processes to help us resolve these disputes yet public trust in government and these institutions, as well as respect for political leaders, currently suffer a crises of legitimacy. Our public officials have degraded and attacked the system and institutions foundational for personal innovation, dynamism, and prosperity, and also the means by which we solve our difficult challenges. They have ignored their oaths to serve the public honorably, to perform their jobs with competence, and to condemn lies and falsehoods spouted by self-serving demagogues, thereby giving breath and flame to authoritarian forces. The democratic institutions critical for helping Americans solve problems have been weakened and degraded by those who had sworn an oath to protect them for the public interest.

Are Americans willing to stand up for the political system and principles that have been attacked by its own leaders? Are Americans willing to work tenaciously to reclaim the inspiring principles of personal freedom and personal responsibility foundational to our democratic republic? Are Americans willing to come together to solve challenges made more complex with technological advancements, lethal weapons, environmental degradation, ignorance and social malaise? Are Americans willing to understand and take action against the many malicious adversaries who attack our infrastructure that we rely on for clean water, proper sewage disposal, energy, health care and transportation? We have many challenges ahead. Are Americans willing to come together to solve them for the betterment of their families, communities and country?

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

No. I think the term length of two years for representatives should be extended to four years to allow them to become more competent and experienced representatives. Another downside of the short term lengths is the time taken away from working on behalf of Hoosiers in Congress to campaigning for the next term. The election cycles are too close for the House of Representative and compromise effective governance.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe that elections and voters should determine the number of terms that elected officials serve in the House of Representatives and the Senate. However, I do believe that a Congresswoman serving for a one, two-year term for the House of Representatives is insufficient given the many complex policy issues needing attention. It takes time to learn the legislative process, develop collaborative relationships with fellow legislators, and to perform one's duties with competence and expertise. However, I favor term limits for Supreme Court Justices.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton was a true statesman who served Indiana with honor, integrity and competence while working with others from across the aisle.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I am always humbled by the difficult circumstances and decisions faced by my constituents. One woman told me about her complicated pregnancy and the difficult discussion she had with her doctor regarding the real possibility that he would have to choose between her life or the baby's life. She had two other children who needed their mother and there was no ambiguity about the doctor's choice. Both mother and baby were able to be saved but she was relieved that this horrible situation happened before Roe v. Wade was overturned and restrictive abortion bills were enacted in Indiana. These personal stories remind policy makers of the consequences of their policies and laws on the private and personal lives of their constituents.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I am a terrible joke teller. Sorry!

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Not only is compromise desirable, it is necessary for smart policymaking on behalf of Hoosiers and Americans.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

This is a serious responsibility and should be performed without gamesmanship and with a commitment to sustained financial stewardship.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The U.S. House should use its investigative powers judiciously and only when there is a preponderance of evidence to support an investigation.

What committees interest you?

Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Agriculture, Natural Resource and Energy. I will be honored to serve on a committee that allows me to learn about and serve my fellow Hoosiers.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are necessary for a thriving economy and critical for an efficient and effective government that delivers for the people. They are also necessary for establishing public trust in and support for government.

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Campaign website

Pickett’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Defending Our Democracy And Rights

Our Democratic Republic and institutions are fundamental to protecting our freedoms, driving innovation and building personal wealth. For the past several years, the U.S. Constitution and laws of the land have been repeatedly attacked and degraded by our leaders. Legislators and citizens must show courage, stand up and hold public officials accountable for their actions, and protect the institutions that secure rights for all Americans and underpin American dynamism. Americans believe in personal freedoms, personal rights and personal responsibility. They do not want government telling them what to do with their personal lives. That includes their reproductive health, their choice of partner, and whether they want gender affirming health care, amongst other personal and private matters.

Delivering Effective And Efficient Government For And To The People

Hoosiers work hard and make many sacrifices. They deserve to have their government work efficiently and effectively on their behalf and to receive benefits hard earned. Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid should be paid for without gamesmanship and for the long term. Dollars need to be committed to ensure agencies are well funded and well staffed to deliver efficiently and effectively for Hoosiers and Americans.

Protecting And Managing Our Natural Resources For Present And Future Generations

A new era of industrialization has begun under the Biden Administration. Hoosiers need to be at the table making decisions and having input into how their communities and natural resources are going to be impacted and used by industry. The voice and the wishes of the people must prevail.

Providing Universal Health Care To All Americans

Americans are compassionate people who care deeply for their fellow Americans. This commitment is seen in the extensive patchwork of fragmented programs developed over the decades to help Americans deal with different health crises. The current healthcare system, while one of the top in the world, can be difficult, intimidating and financially devastating to access and navigate for many Americans. It is also costly to manage due to its complexity, payment structure, eligibility requirements, and compliance rules. Americans would benefit from having a health insurance policy, untethered to an employer, in which they are automatically enrolled and guaranteed basic care, with the option to purchase additional or upgraded medical care or services. This benefit would give peace of mind to all Americans and be paid for with tax revenues designated by a healthcare budget created by Congress.

Building Strong Global Trade And Humanitarian Alliances

Global partnerships with few trade barriers and low-to-no tariffs offer great opportunities for U.S. producers and lower prices for manufacturers and Hoosiers. Hoosiers need international markets for their agriculture products and industrial and consumer products. International trade encourages collaboration on national security goals, adherence to international laws, and cooperation in solving global health challenges.

Investing In A Well-Trained, Well-Equipped, And Well-Cared For U.S. Military

Hoosiers, Americans, and communities build, invest and thrive when they feel safe and secure from harm. It is a complex and tense world driven by technology and revolutionary machines of war. The United States needs to project stability and strength to counter the actions of global adversaries.^[2]

”

—Deborah Pickett’s campaign website (2024)^[3]

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Deborah A. Pickett campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House Indiana District 5	Candidacy Declared general	$4,065	$6,052
2024*	U.S. House Indiana District 5	Lost general	$44,922	$40,146
Grand total			$48,987	$46,198
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

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Candidate

U.S. House Indiana District 5

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 29, 2024
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ Deborah Pickett’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed April 17, 2024

[show]

Indiana's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Jim Banks (R)

Todd Young (R)

Representatives

District 1

Frank Mrvan (D)

District 2

Rudy Yakym (R)

District 3

Marlin Stutzman (R)

District 4

Jim Baird (R)

District 5

Victoria Spartz (R)

District 6

Jefferson Shreve (R)

District 7

André Carson (D)

District 8

Mark Messmer (R)

District 9

Erin Houchin (R)

Republican Party (9)

Democratic Party (2)

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 29, 2024

[quotedisclaimer-2] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[3] Deborah Pickett’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed April 17, 2024

[1]

[2]

[3]

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Deborah Pickett

Contents

Biography

Elections

2026

General election

General election for U.S. House Indiana District 5

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

2024

General election

General election for U.S. House Indiana District 5

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

Campaign website

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

2024 Election analysis

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