Indianapolis, IND. (Nov. 19, 2024)–Assistant Minority Leader Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis) and Caucus Chair Senator Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton) issued the following statement regarding the Indiana Senate Democrat’s leadership election and the promise of a new generation of leadership within the caucus.    

“Yesterday, we held our caucus leadership vote. Senator Hunley ran for Senate Minority Leader with the support of Senator Pol, and she lost. We are committed to ensuring that changes are made, and that Leader Taylor is held accountable.    

“It is unacceptable for anyone to experience harassment or exploitation; it is especially egregious when it involves those in a position of public trust.   

“This was an opportunity for us to accept the leadership positions of Assistant Leader and Caucus Chair. We feel that we owe it to our members, staff and community to ensure there is a high level of scrutiny and accountability, and being a part of the decision-making process will allow us to do just that.   

“Things only change, when people of courage come into power, and that is why we stepped up. We promise to fight our way in to repair and to rebuild your trust, and as Assistant Leader and Caucus Chair, that is what we are going to do.   

“We will help move our caucus towards a future where this type of abhorrent behavior is not minimized or condoned. We are staring down what will be a critical budget session that will be impacting the lives of Hoosiers in every part of our state. As leaders in our caucus, we will ensure we are both focused on the session and focused on ensuring we create lasting reform.”