Indiana's 8th congressional district

Indiana's 8th congressional district is a United States congressional district located in the southwestern part of Indiana, covering Vanderburgh County, Warrick County, Posey County, Gibson County, Pike County, Dubois County, and parts of Spencer County and Henderson County, Kentucky, across the Ohio River. The district is represented by Republican Larry Bucshon, who has been in office since 2011. The district is home to several notable institutions, including the University of Evansville, University of Southern Indiana, and the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library. The district's economy is driven by major industries such as Toyota and Berry Global.

Geography

The district is situated in the southwestern part of Indiana, bordering the Ohio River and the state of Kentucky. It encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from the rolling hills of Pike County to the urban centers of Evansville and Henderson. The district is also home to several notable waterways, including the Wabash River and Patoka River, which flow into the Ohio River. The region's geography has played a significant role in shaping its history, with the Ohio River serving as a major transportation route for Lewis and Clark and other early explorers, including John James Audubon and Meriwether Lewis. The district's unique geography has also influenced the development of its economy, with major industries such as coal mining and manufacturing emerging in the region.

History

The district has a rich and varied history, dating back to the early 19th century when it was part of the Northwest Territory. The region was home to several notable historical figures, including Abraham Lincoln, who practiced law in the area, and William Henry Harrison, who served as the first Governor of Indiana. The district played a significant role in the American Civil War, with the Battle of Corydon taking place in Harrison County in 1863. The region was also home to several notable Underground Railroad routes, including the Ohio River crossing at Evansville, which was used by Harriet Tubman and other abolitionists. The district's history is also marked by significant events such as the Great Depression and World War II, which had a profound impact on the region's economy and population.

Election Results

The district has been represented by several notable politicians, including John Hostettler, who served from 1995 to 2007, and Brad Ellsworth, who served from 2007 to 2011. The district has trended Republican in recent years, with Larry Bucshon winning the seat in 2010 and holding it since. The district has also been the site of several notable elections, including the 2018 election, in which Bucshon faced a challenge from Democrat William Tanoos. The district's election results have been influenced by major events such as the 2016 United States presidential election and the 2020 United States presidential election, which had a significant impact on the region's voters.

List of Representatives

The district has been represented by the following members of the United States House of Representatives: * Albert Smith (1873-1875) * James La Fayette Evans (1875-1877) * John D. White (1877-1879) * Godlove Stein Orth (1879-1883) * John E. Lamb (1883-1885) * Thomas B. Ward (1885-1887) * James T. Johnston (1887-1889) * John H. O'Neall (1889-1891) * Elijah V. Brookshire (1891-1893) * John A. M. Adair (1893-1895) * George W. Faris (1895-1897) * Charles L. Henry (1897-1899) * George W. Cromer (1899-1901) * George W. Faris (1901-1903) * John A. M. Adair (1903-1905) * Frank B. Fulkerson (1905-1907) * John A. M. Adair (1907-1909) * William E. Cox (1909-1911) * Albert H. Vestal (1911-1913) * John B. Peterson (1913-1915) * Albert H. Vestal (1915-1917) * Albert R. Hall (1917-1919) * Richard N. Elliott (1919-1921) * Albert H. Vestal (1921-1923) * Richard N. Elliott (1923-1925) * Albert H. Vestal (1925-1927) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1927-1929) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1929-1931) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1931-1933) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1933-1935) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1935-1937) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1937-1939) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1939-1941) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1941-1943) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1943-1945) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1945-1947) * John W. Boehne Jr. (1947-1949) * Winfield K. Denton (1949-1951) * Winfield K. Denton (1951-1953) * Winfield K. Denton (1953-1955) * Winfield K. Denton (1955-1957) * Winfield K. Denton (1957-1959) * Winfield K. Denton (1959-1961) * Winfield K. Denton (1961-1963) * Winfield K. Denton (1963-1965) * Winfield K. Denton (1965-1967) * Roger H. Zion (1967-1969) * Roger H. Zion (1969-1971) * Roger H. Zion (1971-1973) * Roger H. Zion (1973-1975) * Roger H. Zion (1975-1977) * Roger H. Zion (1977-1979) * Roger H. Zion (1979-1981) * John P. Hiler (1981-1983) * John P. Hiler (1983-1985) * John P. Hiler (1985-1987) * John P. Hiler (1987-1989) * John P. Hiler (1989-1991) * John P. Hiler (1991-1993) * John Hostettler (1995-1997) * John Hostettler (1997-1999) * John Hostettler (1999-2001) * John Hostettler (2001-2003) * John Hostettler (2003-2005) * John Hostettler (2005-2007) * Brad Ellsworth (2007-2009) * Brad Ellsworth (2009-2011) * Larry Bucshon (2011-2013) * Larry Bucshon (2013-2015) * Larry Bucshon (2015-2017) * Larry Bucshon (2017-2019) * Larry Bucshon (2019-2021) * Larry Bucshon (2021-present)

Demographics

The district has a diverse population, with a mix of urban and rural areas. The largest city in the district is Evansville, which has a population of over 118,414 people, according to the 2020 census. The district is also home to several smaller cities and towns, including Henderson, Jasper, and Princeton. The district's population is predominantly white, with a significant minority of African Americans and Hispanics. The district's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and education, with major employers such as Deaconess Health System and the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. The district is also home to several notable institutions, including the University of Evansville and the University of Southern Indiana, which are both located in Evansville.

Maps

The district's boundaries have changed over time, with the most recent redistricting occurring in 2020. The district is currently bounded by the Ohio River to the south, Illinois to the west, and the counties of Gibson, Pike, and Dubois to the north and east. The district's map is available on the website of the Indiana General Assembly and the United States Census Bureau. The district's boundaries can also be viewed on online mapping platforms such as Google Maps and OpenStreetMap. The district's map has been influenced by significant events such as the 2020 United States Census and the 2020 United States redistricting cycle, which had a profound impact on the region's boundaries and population.