Who is running to lead Indiana Democrats?: Report

The race for Indiana Democratic Party Chair is heating up, with multiple candidates vying to replace outgoing Chair Mike Schmuhl. The position, typically decided by a small group of party insiders, has drawn public attention due to the stakes involved: reviving a party that hasn’t won statewide office in over a decade and faces challenges like infighting, low voter turnout, and financial struggles, report Indystar.com.

The Candidates:

• Derek Camp: The Allen County Democratic Party chair emphasizes building robust county-level parties to create a strong foundation for statewide success. He credits his record fundraising achievements to organized labor support and plans to assemble a team of experienced fundraisers.
• Karen Tallian: A former state senator with a track record in leadership roles, including on the Democratic National Committee, Tallian advocates for year-round organizing and focusing on economic issues that matter to voters. She has garnered support from organized labor and is critical of party infighting.
• Destiny Wells: The current deputy chair for coalition and expansion is pushing for new organizing coalitions and prioritizing urban voters over crossover Republicans. Known for her bold rhetoric, she views the party as a “rusty old machine” in need of revitalization and expansion to attract new voters.
• Jennifer McCormick (considering): A former Republican state schools superintendent who ran as a Democrat for governor, McCormick sees herself as a unifier who can appeal to moderates and rural voters. She highlights her fundraising prowess and ability to deliver focused messaging across ideological divides.

The candidates bring diverse approaches to tackling the party’s challenges. Whether focusing on grassroots organizing, bridging ideological gaps, or finding new voters, the next chair will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indiana Democrats.