Traditionally, the city and the district has been more competitive and much more Republican. In fact, for years Indianapolis was one of the most Republican metropolitan areas in the country, particularly during the years when Richard Lugar and William H. Hudnut III served as Mayor of Indianapolis. However, in recent decades, much of the affluence of the city has begun to migrate to the edges of the city and outer Marion County, which has resulted in the Democratic lean. The wealthier northern portion of Marion County, which until recently tilted heavily Republican, is not included in the district.