“I believe that those of us who seek public office should be held to the highest standards and welcome the distinct honor and privilege of taking the solemn oath to uphold the United States Constitution As we move forward to the 118th Congress, I will strive to continue to earn the trust and confidence of the residents of Northwest Indiana. I will remain resolutely focused on working with like-minded colleagues ….to address the pressing issues facing our communities.“ Facebook, 1/4/23
BACKGROUND + EXPERIENCE
Frank Mrvan was born + raised in Hammond, Indiana. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Ball State University. Mrvan worked as a licensed mortgage broker + pharmaceutical sales representative. In November 2005, he was appointed Township Trustee for North Township, Indiana, when his predecessor resigned + he served 15 years in that role.
In 2020, Mrvan won the Democratic nomination for Representative in Indiana’s 1st district with 33% of the vote in a field of 14 candidates + defeated Republican Mark Leyva in the November general election with 57% of the vote.
In 2022 Mrvan ran for reelection in a Biden +8 district against Republican nominee Jennifer-Ruth Green + defeated her with 53% of the vote. He raised $2,480,641 to support his re-election which was $1,011,303 less than what Green raised.
Rep. Mrvan + his wife Jane live in Lake County. They have two daughters. According to his campaign website, he's fighting to protect our access to health care, working families + the steel industry in the region. Mrvan is inspired by his dad's long-time service in the Indiana State Senate serving the people of the region.
One of his first votes was to support the American Rescue Plan; he understood this legislation was necessary to get past the pandemic, to reopen our economy, provide schools + first responders with the resources they needed, + it established a national vaccination plan, which led to the federal vaccination site in the City of Gary.
ON THE ISSUES
“My priorities remain to enhance our robust economic assets, including our steel, oil and manufacturing industries, our transportation infrastructure, our environmental wonders, and our incredible skilled workforce and members of organized labor that promote a vibrant business community and new investments” (Facebook, 1/2/23)
Specific priorities, as detailed on the Rep. Mrvan website, include:
• Responding to emergencies helping the residents of Northwest Indiana
• Growing the Northwest Indiana economy
• Advocating for the health of people
• Defending women’s rights
• Supporting public education
• Protecting our environment
POLITICS IN INDIANA
Indiana’s 1st Congressional District has historically been a Democratic seat based in Northwest Indiana, but it has been trending more competitive in recent years. The district is majority white working class with significant Hispanic + Black communities. It’s comprised of Lake, LaPorte + Porter Counties + includes the cities of Gary and Hammond.
Indiana has long been considered a Republican stronghold adding to the importance + the challenges of supporting Rep. Mrvan. There will be an open U.S. Senate seat in 2024 because Republican Sen. Mike Braun will run for Indiana governor. Republicans hold supermajorities in both chambers of the Indiana General Assembly.
COMMITTEES + CAUCUSES
• Vice Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus
• Veterans Affairs Committee - Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oversight + Investigations
• House Committee on Education + the Workforce - Member of Health, Employment, Labor + Pensions Subcommittee