INDIANAPOLIS — From Lake Michigan to Fort Wayne, northern Indiana Democratic candidates are ready to break the Republican supermajority, and bring balance back to Hoosier politics after over a decade of one-party Republican control. 

State Reps. Chuck Moseley and Kyle Miller are running for reelection in Districts 10 (Portage and Chesterton) and 82 (Fort Wayne). They are joined by Erika Robinson-Watkins running in District 4 (Valparaiso and Kouts) Heidi Beidinger (Granger and Mishawaka) running in District 5 and Kyle Thele (Fort Wayne and Columbia City) in District 83.

Rep. Moseley is a long-time Northwest Indiana public servant, serving on multiple boards for the City of Portage, and in the Indiana House since 2008. He’s committed to advancing the rights of workers, and strengthening Hoosier education.

“I’m running for re-election because there is still so much work to be done to make our state better for our veterans, our families, and working Hoosiers,” said State Rep. Chuck Moseley. “Over the last 20 years, I have fought against an anti-union, anti-worker agenda. The results of that agenda have been lower wages, and a lower quality of life than our neighbors. I stood up to oppose ‘right to work’, the repeal of the common construction wage, and the constant attacks on educators and public schools. The war or workers needs to stop, and I’ll continue fighting for every working family in Indiana.”

Rep. Miller is a native of Fort Wayne, and is honored to be serving his hometown in the Indiana House. He’s passionate about helping Hoosier families get ahead, legalizing cannabis, lowering prescription drug prices, and developing the local Fort Wayne economy.

“We need more leaders working to bring people together, and find bipartisan solutions for Hoosier families,” said State Rep. Kyle Miller. “That’s been my goal during my first term as a state legislator, and it’s why I’m running for reelection. One-party Republican control has led to a teacher shortage, a nursing shortage, and a childcare shortage. Our families deserve better now. And it’s past time to legalize cannabis. Hoosier veterans shouldn’t fear jail time for crossing state lines to access cannabis.”

Erika Robinson-Watkins resides with her family in Valparaiso, where she has served as a school board member. She co-owns a childcare service with her sister, and is passionate about improving education and childcare opportunities for every Hoosier.

“As someone who works with educators and students daily, I see how Hoosier families are struggling to find affordable, reliable childcare and how our schools are facing a massive teacher shortage,” said Robinson-Watkins. “Investments in childcare help our economy by allowing parents to get back to work, and sets up our students for long term success. I’ll be a fighter at the Statehouse for our working families and for expanded early childhood education and pre-K.”

Heidi Beidinger is a professor and researcher in the University of Notre Dame’s Global Health Program. She served for seven years on the St. Joseph County Board of Health, including three years as President. She was raised by immigrant parents who lived through World War II in Europe, and is focused on improving healthcare options and outcomes for Hoosier families.

“Hoosiers face dwindling healthcare options, and a growing nursing and healthcare shortage thanks to a 20-year Republican race to the bottom,” said Beidinger. “The Republican abortion ban is hurting our state, and only making it harder for women, and every Hoosier, to get the care they need. We can’t solve this shortage by passing policies that make doctors and nurses want to leave. As your next state representative, I’ll work to restore the freedom to choose, and strengthen Indiana’s faltering health care system.”

Kyle Thele lives on the west side of Fort Wayne with his wife and two children. He works as a digital editor for SB Nation, where he is a member of the Vox Union. He has also worked for the Chicago Sun-Times and earned his journalism degree from Michigan State.

“I’m running because our freedoms and rights are on the ballot this November,” said Thele. “Hoosiers need leaders that put families and workers first, instead of playing partisan politics with our rights and our schools.”

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