MARION COUNTY, Ind. -- With the Indiana primary just weeks away, one of the most watched statehouse races is State Senate District 29.
Incumbent Republican Senator Mike Delph and challenger Corrie Meyer are both vying for the seat.
Their district, which includes Carmel, Zionsville and Clermont as well as Pike and Wayne Townships in Indianapolis - all areas that represent some of the fastest growing neighborhoods.
Meyer, a mother of two and a small business owner, kicked off her campaign 18 months ago.
Delph has served in the Senate for the past 12 years and is a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves who was deployed to Puerto Rico this year after Hurricane Maria.
RTV6's Rafael Sanchez reached out to both candidates for interviews ahead of next month's Primary Election to give voters a chance to learn more about who they are and what they stand for.
Delph responded on April 10 saying, "No thank you."
He went on to say, "I am not interested in being used by the media to prop up my opponent. There are races much more newsworthy."
Meyer agreed to an interview.
"Obviously, name recognition is a huge challenge," said Meyer. "I felt it was important for this district that we had someone effective and collaborative."
READ | District 29 voters are focused on education, jobsandroads ahead of the primaries
Meyer has been on the streets, walking her pets and getting to know the people who live in her district.
She also drew attention when she picked up Republican endorsements from the mayors of Carmel, Fishers, Zionsville and former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard.
Meyer is a professional urban planner and says education, public safety and jobs are top priorities, especially getting workers into Hamilton County.
"Metro Indy actually has more jobs than workers and a 3.4 percent unemployment rate we need to do a better job of aligning and growing skills in the new economy," said Meyer. "In fact, one out of two positions an in advanced market doesn't require a college degree."
And in the year of the pothole, Meyer said she'd also like to examine if the state is doing enough on infrastructure.
"I'm a big believer in making decisions based on data, not a quick yes or no answer," said Meyer. "We need study and have more information so we can make a decision and comprehensive approach."
The winner of the primary on May 8 will face Democrat JD Ford in November's election.
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