INDIANAPOLIS — Following an election that delivered five additional seats to the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus, Senate Democrats elected their leadership team to guide an expanded 15-member caucus into the 2027 legislative session.
Sen. Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) was reelected Senate Democratic leader, Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton) was elected assistant Democratic leader and Sen. La Keisha Jackson (D-Indianapolis) was elected caucus chair.
The leadership elections follow significant Democratic gains across Indiana, with voters flipping five Republican-held Senate seats while retaining Democratic representation in Senate Districts 29 and 46. The results yield a 50% increase in Democratic representation in the Senate.
“Hoosiers sent a powerful message this election: They are tired of being ignored while the cost of living keeps climbing and the issues affecting their lives go unanswered,” Yoder said. “Voters demanded change, and they gave us a stronger voice to fight for it. We intend to use that voice to hold those in power accountable, challenge decisions that hurt our communities and put the needs of Hoosiers back at the center of the Statehouse.”
The caucus will welcome seven new members, including five Democrats elected to previously Republican-held seats: Scott Houldieson (District 1), Gabrianna Gratzol (District 11), Julie McGill (District 15), Natasha Baker (District 22) and Kerry Forestal (District 31). Kristina Moorhead (District 29) and Allissa Impink (District 46) were also elected to succeed outgoing Democratic senators.
As the 2027 budget session approaches, the expanded caucus will confront the issues Hoosiers are demanding action on: skyrocketing utility bills, soaring grocery and housing costs, cuts to public schools and childcare, losing access to healthcare and a government handing out massive tax breaks to billion-dollar corporations while families struggle to make ends meet.
“This election is not the finish line. It is a responsibility,” Yoder said. “Hoosiers have made it clear they expect more from their government, and they deserve to see that reflected in the decisions we make. With new voices, new perspectives and a stronger caucus, we are ready to turn that momentum into action, and we will never stop fighting for the people and communities counting on us.”
