Carson, André

André Carson represents Indiana's 7th congressional district and serves as Ranking Member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, a position that gives him significant influence over the minority party's priorities on air transportation, safety standards, and infrastructure policy. As ranking member, he shapes the opposition's legislative agenda and questioning strategy on aviation matters within the broader Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Carson also holds membership on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and serves as Ranking Member of its National Intelligence Enterprise subcommittee, reflecting his background in law enforcement and security work.

Carson's career path prepared him for these oversight roles. Before entering Congress in 2008, he spent nine years as a compliance officer with Indiana's Alcohol and Tobacco Commission law enforcement division, later working in the anti-terrorism division of Indiana's Department of Homeland Security. He holds degrees in criminal justice and business management. His entry into Congress came through a special election following the death of his grandmother, Congresswoman Julia Carson, making him the second Muslim elected to the House.

As a ranking member, Carson has focused on legislation addressing public safety, economic opportunity, and civil rights—priorities shaped by his upbringing in a rough Indianapolis neighborhood. His sponsored bills include the Gun Safety Incentive Act and measures condemning violence against ethnic minorities. He became dean of Indiana's congressional delegation in 2021 after the retirement of fellow Democrat Pete Visclosky, positioning him as a senior voice for his state in the House.