INDIANAPOLIS – Senate Democratic Caucus Whip J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis), was honored on the Senate floor today with a resolution recognizing his leadership, legislative accomplishments and service to Hoosiers.
Since first being elected to the General Assembly in 2018, Ford has built a reputation as a collaborative policymaker focused on delivering practical results for families, patients and students. His election marked a historic milestone as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Indiana Legislature, and throughout his tenure he has worked to expand opportunity and strengthen protections for Hoosiers.
Ford authored legislation prohibiting noncompete agreements for primary care physicians, a policy aimed at addressing doctor shortages and helping patients maintain continuity of care in their communities. He also led the successful effort to require personal financial literacy education for high school students, providing young Hoosiers with essential skills to manage real-world financial decisions.
In addition, Ford has championed efforts to expand student mental health supports and increase access to behavioral health resources in schools, reflecting his longstanding focus on youth well-being. He has also advanced policies to increase transparency in assisted living facilities, expand access to lifesaving medical equipment such as automated external defibrillators and strengthen consumer protections in health care and housing systems. His work has consistently focused on improving access, fairness and stability for Hoosier families.
Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington), said Ford’s leadership has been defined by a focus on results.
“Sen. J.D. Ford has always centered his work on what matters most to Hoosiers — access to opportunity, fairness in our systems and real solutions to everyday challenges,” Yoder said. “He understands that good policy is measured not by rhetoric, but by whether it improves people’s lives.”
Yoder said Ford has also played a key role in caucus leadership.
“As caucus Whip and former caucus chair, J.D. has been a steady and collaborative leader who brings people together to solve problems,” she said. “He approaches every issue with integrity and a clear focus on results, helping strengthen our caucus and advance meaningful policy changes.”
Ford said his work in the Senate has been guided by a commitment to expanding opportunity and removing barriers for Hoosiers.
“Public service is about making sure people have a fair chance to build stable, healthy and successful lives,” Ford said. “I have focused on improving access to health care, strengthening protections for families and ensuring students and workers have the tools they need to succeed.”
Ford said he remains committed to continuing that work.
“I carry the voices of Hoosiers with me into every decision I make,” he said. “Their experiences and challenges shape this work, and I remain focused on listening, finding practical solutions and building stronger communities across our state.”
