Democrats set leadership teams for their expanded Indiana Statehouse caucuses

Democrats in the Indiana General Assembly have selected legislative leadership after enjoying big gains in Tuesday’s election.

Senate Democrats, who flipped five districts and retained control of their 10 seats, reaffirmed Sen. Shelli Yoder of Bloomington as leader, according to a Friday announcement.

Sen. Rodney Pol of Chesterton will move up to become assistant leader and Sen. La Keisha Jackson of Indianapolis will join leadership as caucus chair.

Indiana House Republicans pick new leader after big election losses

“This election is not the finish line. It is a responsibility,” Yoder said in a statement. “With new voices, new perspectives and a stronger caucus, we are ready to turn that momentum into action, and we will never stop fighting for the people and communities counting on us.”

Republicans will maintain a 35-15 supermajority for the upcoming legislative session.

The expanded Democratic caucus intends to focus on utility, grocery and housing costs, plus funding for public schools and childcare, among other priorities.

Across the Statehouse rotunda, Democrats were jubilant after gaining 16 seats in the House — far more than the four they needed to break the House GOP’s 14-year supermajority. Republicans appear set to have a 54-46 House majority.

House Democrats on Wednesday reelected their leadership team: Leader Phil GiaQuinta of Fort Wayne, Floor Leader Cherrish Pryor of Indianapolis and Caucus Chair Carey Hamilton of Indianapolis.

“We don’t take this moment lightly. Voters didn’t send us here to keep score,” GiaQuinta said. “They sent us with a clear message: They’re tired of what years of one-party rule have given them. They want groceries, rent and utility bills they can afford. They want public schools that are fully funded. And they want data centers and Big Tech to pay their fair share of taxes.”

“House Democrats are ready to get to work, and we extend a hand to our Republican colleagues to join us,” he said.

Republicans also made their picks Wednesday.

A narrower House GOP majority selected Rep. Ben Smaltz of Auburn as their next speaker. Smaltz will take the reins after House Speaker Todd Huston unexpectedly lost reelection.

Senate Republicans, meanwhile, executed a leadership change in the works for months.

Sen. Chris Garten of Charlestown will serve as the next Senate president pro tem, replacing Sen. Rodric Bray of Martinsville — a congressional redistricting foe targeted by President Donald Trump.

Indiana’s next legislative session will kick off in January, although new lawmakers will be sworn in on Organization Day — the ceremonial first day — later this month.