Councilor La Keisha Jackson Selected to Fill Remaining Term for Senate District 34
Precinct committee persons in Senate District 34 have selected Indianapolis City-County Councilor La Keisha Jackson to fill the remaining term of State Senator Jean Breaux, who passed away last month after serving over 17 years in the State Senate.
The caucus took place at the Julia Carson Government Center on Thursday evening. Two candidates had filed for the position before the deadline: Councillor Jackson and Chunia Graves. Candidates each had a few minutes to address the committee persons before the holding of the vote.
“What I want to stay tonight is that Senator Jean Breaux’s legacy will live on,” said Senator-elect Jackson after her acceptance speech. “I cannot walk in her shoes because those are big shoes to follow. But what I do promise you is I will advocate, work hard, listen, and fight the good fight!”
“Throughout her time as a City-County Councilor, La Keisha Jackson has been a champion for her constituents on the Far Eastside,” said Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl. “She helped lead projects to tackle gun violence, and address affordable housing for her community. We have no doubt that she will continue these efforts in her new position representing Senate District 34 at the Statehouse.”
“La Keisha will continue the exceptional work Senator Breaux did throughout her career to improve the quality of life for Hoosier families, and tackle the stark inequalities in Indiana’s healthcare system.”
Senator-elect Jackson’s swearing-in will occur once the paperwork from the caucus has been received and accepted by the Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray’s office, and the Indiana Election Division.
The final vote result among the precinct committee persons was 30-15. A simple majority of voting members was needed to win the caucus.
Per state law, Senator Jean Breaux’s name will stay on the ballot for the May primary, and a second caucus to fill the ensuing Senate District 34 ballot vacancy for November will take place between the primary and July 3. More information will be released about that caucus at a time to be determined after the primary.
