INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Democrats are the party of firsts. Over the years, Democrats elected Indiana’s first Latino member of the state legislature, elected Indiana’s first-majority female caucus, and elected record numbers of African-American legislators from across the state.

Just this past year, Hoosier Democrats elected the first Black female mayors of three cities: Evansville, Lawrence, and Michigan City. Now, a diverse slate of candidates is stepping up to represent their communities and fight for a stronger, fairer Indiana.

State Reps. Mike Andrade and Victoria Garcia Wilburn serve in Districts 12 and 32 respectively, and are two of four Latino members of the Indiana General Assembly along with fellow Democrats Sen. Rodney Pol (Dist. 4) and Rep. Earl Harris, Jr. (Dist 2). They are both running for reelection to continue seeking bipartisan solutions to the problems Hoosiers face.

“I’m running for reelection to continue being a champion for education, healthcare, and public safety. All Hoosiers deserve a state where everyone has access to economic opportunity, upward mobility, safe communities, and strong healthcare and education systems,” said State Rep. Mike Andrade. “During my time at the Statehouse, I’ve worked to expand mental health access through interstate licensing and have advocated that Hoosier students are protected from radon and lead exposure at schools, along with supporting public safety resources.

It’s the honor of my life to represent the communities of Munster, Highland, Griffith, and portions of Schererville in the Statehouse, and I am eager to gain your support once more.”

“This is a wonderful, diverse community, and I believe when we all come together and work for solutions, we create a better future for all,” said State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn. “The recent actions limiting access to healthcare services for women, children with Autism, and families of medically complex children as well as the constant culture wars threatens our district’s future. I’ll keep working to restore and protect our rights, and keep our community one of the best places to raise a family in Indiana.” 

Alex Burton is an Evansville City Councilman running for state representative in District 77. His focus at the Statehouse would be on jobs and economic development. His leadership on the council gives him the experience to hit the ground running at the Statehouse.

“Evansville is my hometown, and as a graduate of Bosse High School, it’s been my honor to serve the city,” said Councilman Alex Burton. “As a councilman, I’ve done my best to represent everyone in our community, and as your state representative, I will always do the same. That means creating opportunity for all by recruiting businesses and developing our local economy. As your state representative from Evansville, I’ll make sure we’re seen as a first class city with incredible potential for growth. We’re leading the way in creating a truly representative Indiana by electing Stephanie Terry as our new mayor and a slate of diverse candidates that truly represent Indiana. I want to continue the progress for our state.”

Erika Robinson-Watkins is the first woman of color to be selected to the Valparaiso Community School Board, and lives with her family in the city. She’s passionate about early childhood education, and co-operates a daycare facility with her sister. She’s running in District 4 which contains all of Valparaiso and parts of southern Porter County.

“As a local school board member, I talk to our parents, teachers, and students every day. I know the challenges our families face and I want to be your voice in Indianapolis,” said Erika Robinson-Watkins. “I look at our Statehouse, and all I see is division. I want to be part of the solution by uniting people to tackle our state’s most pressing issues: education, childcare, and healthcare. It’s what Hoosiers deserve from their representatives, and it’s who I’ll be for you in Indianapolis.”

Dominique Davie is running for the open House District 90 on the southwest side of Marion County. He’s an Indy native, graduate of IUPUI, and is running because he wants to invest back in District 90 as its representative.

“I, like all Hoosiers, want to look at our Statehouse and see work being done to better our state,” said Dominique Davie. “Instead, what we see is a constant race to the bottom that’s attacking our rights, and jeopardizing our future. I’ll only be accountable to you as state representative, not the special interests that have controlled the Statehouse for decades.”

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