“I am exceptionally proud of receiving the Stonewall Democrats’ endorsement,” said Dr. Woody Myers. “Now more than ever, each of us must carry a torch for one another and I am thankful for the Stonewall Democrats’ leadership and hopeful to give voice, as Governor, to our collective goals and priorities.”

— Dr. Woody Myers, Indiana's Gubernatorial Candidate

“I’ve been proud to stand with Stonewall Democrats during fight after fight at the Statehouse,” said Lt. Governor candidate Linda Lawson. “And I’ll be there, with you, fighting for justice, every minute, even if the damn sky falls around us.”

— Linda Lawson, Lieutenant Governor Candidate

"Throughout my career, I've fought hard to uphold the rights of the LGBTQ community, and I was proud to stand up against RFRA in the Indiana General Assembly. I'm ready to take that same fight and passion to Washington. In Congress, I will be a tireless advocate for our LGBTQ Hoosiers and support legislation like the Equality Act, to ensure LGBTQ individuals have the same rights and protections that all Americans deserve."

— Christina Hale, Indiana's 5th Congressional District

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of Indiana Stonewall Democrats. Come January 3rd, 2021, the LGBTQ+ community in the 8th district will finally have the representation they deserve!"

— E. Thomasina Marsili, Indiana's 4th Congressional District

Born and raised in Detroit, Pat has spent four decades serving the people of Northern Indiana as teacher, attorney, and civic leader. Passionate about this community, she has dedicated herself to its growth and development both professionally and personally. Pat worked in the law firms of Barnes and Thornburg and Baker and Daniels, and served as in-house counsel for Holy Cross Health System/Trinity Health Corporation. Pat opened Hackett & Associates in 2006, where she has deepened her career-long involvement in estate planning, family law, health care law, and advocacy as a trial attorney.

— Pat Hackett, Indiana's 2nd Congressional District

Joe Mackey and his wife of 32 years, Tami, reside in Lafayette. They have three children. Conor is a graduate of Indiana University. Their other children, Patrick and Claire, were lost as teenagers to two different cancers in the span of 30 months. Joe worked for 27 years at Caterpillar, Inc. as a machinist. Joe retired and now advocates for families of children with cancer in addition to actively campaigning to be the next representative of Indiana’s 4th Congressional District.

— Joe Mackey, Indiana's 4th Congressional District

A US Air Force veteran, Ian amassed over 2000 flight hours during his career as a C-130J Loadmaster and completed multiple combat deployments. Upon retiring in 2014, Ian pursued a degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University. Ian will be dedicated to supporting traditional public schools that serve all Hoosier students, increasing access for all Hoosiers to affordable healthcare, and bringing access to reliable rural broadband internet as well as improving roads and bridges.  

— Ian Gamroth, Indiana House District 64
 

"My collective experience as part of a marginalized community has taught me a deep sense of empathy. I believe empathy is exactly what our government needs today." 

— Ashley Klein, Indiana Senate District 39

 "As an experienced educator, brain aneurysm survivor and active community member, I know Senate district 28 needs someone who will fight for us. As a Warren Park Town Councilor, I am a proven leader. I Will Be Your Champion."

— Theresa Bruno, Indiana House District 28

 Mitch is a lifelong resident of the area he seeks to represent, a third-generation small business operator, and a conscientious peace officer. In the Statehouse, Mitch will fight relentlessly for full equality for LGBTQ+ Hoosiers.

— Mitch Gore, Indiana House District 89
 

" I am running for HD 88 because in Our Home, Our Indiana we are a welcoming and inclusive place. Our leaders and laws should reflect that 'Hoosier Hospitality'.  I will be a leader who supports my LGBTQ+ neighbors. I’ll ensure Indiana attracts and retains business through diversity, inclusion and freedom from discrimination.  " 

— Pam Dechert, Indiana House District 88

"As a blue-collar steelworker, I’m tired of the same people running our state. Indiana has potential and I’d like to share that vision with everyone."

— Tim Gust, Indiana House District 20

An Indiana native, Chris Campbell graduated from Purdue University with her master's in audiology. Chris is the Indiana State Representative for District 26. She also serves the Greater Lafayette area as an audiologist specializing in balance testing. Chris and her husband Rob celebrated their 30th anniversary this summer have two children Ian and Beth. 

— Chris Campbell, Indiana House District 26

"As a 13 year resident of Fishers and longtime community volunteer, I’m running to make families like yours and mine a priority in the Statehouse again. My husband Randy is an audio engineer at Lucas Oil Stadium and a member of IATSE Local 30, and my children AJ and Ally grew up in Fishers. I have a long track record of service to the community, I am committed to building a more equitable and inclusive Indiana." 

— Aimee Rivera Cole Dechert, Indiana House District 37

Born and raised in Aboite, I graduated from Homestead High School and have earned a B.S. in Social Studies Education from Indiana University, Bloomington and a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Education Technology from Ball State University. Indiana’s public schools have provided me with a world-class education and propel this campaign, as I want to ensure that current and future young people are afforded learning opportunities that will provide them with economic success and personal fulfillment. 

— Michael Bienz, Indiana House District 83

Kara grew up in Bloomington, Indiana graduating from Bloomington High School North in 1988. Kara obtained her law degree from Indiana University School of Law in 2000 and has practiced law for nearly 20 years. She believes in the positive impact problem solving courts can have on its participants and our community. 

— Kara Krothe, Monroe County Circuit Court

 "I am honored to have this endorsement. I will continue to push for full rights for LGBTQ+ community. When anyone is marginalized we are all diminished and until we have full rights for all we cannot give up the fight!"

— Debora "Deb" Porter, Indiana House District 4

Born in Kokomo, Indiana, and a resident of Cass County her entire life. Laura is the child of a union electrician/United Methodist pastor and a Mental Health nurse. For the past two years, she has taught 8th-grade science and Earth Science at Logansport Junior High school.

— Laura Fred-Smith, Indiana Senate District 18

"I am a daughter, sister, wife, mom, teacher, and lifelong Hoosier. I will continue to work until Indiana offers every person who lives here the opportunities to thrive in our communities."

— Tiffany Grant, Indiana Houe District 60

Amanda Qualls is a candidate for Indiana House District 49 and current at large member of the Goshen Community Schools Board of Education. A lifelong resident of Elkhart county, Amanda attended Goshen Schools from kindergarten through her graduation from Goshen High School in 2006. After earning her Bachelor of Arts from the University of Notre Dame, she went on to pursue her Master of Library Science from Indiana University. In 2012, Amanda and her husband returned to the area, moving into the home her great grandparents had occupied since the 1960s. Amanda believes in building healthy, welcoming communities for all, and as a legislator, she would work to represent all of the people in her increasingly diverse district.

Amanda has worked in mission-driven organizations throughout her career. Most recently, she served as Human Resources Director for Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign. Prior to joining Pete for America, Amanda was the Director of Human Resources at Ballotpedia, a nonprofit organization that strives to connect people to politics.

— Amanda Qualls, Indiana Houe District 49

"My name is Aaron Mishler. I’m a nurse living in Elkhart, Indiana. I’m running to give voters a choice — a choice between the same status quo that has led to worsening education, job opportunities, and healthcare in our state — or something better. 

I grew up in Goshen and graduated from Goshen high school. I served eight years in the military as a medic and LPN. I’ve spent the past several years working as a nurse, seeing firsthand how healthcare impacts our loved ones in the community. I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer around the world and in the US to help folks affected by natural disasters and pandemics, and I recently traveled to the vulnerable Navajo nation to aid in their struggle against COVID-19. Most importantly, I’m a father, dedicated to creating a better future for my daughter, Naomi.

I believe we can do better. We are falling behind in education, in healthcare, and in good-paying jobs. I’m running because status quo politics have left Indiana behind. I’m running for my daughter and for your children."

— Aaron Mishler, Indiana Houe District 48

Valeri Haughton is in her twelfth year as a Monroe Circuit Court Judge. She stresses the importance of listening compassionately and ruling fairly when presiding over legal cases.
Judge Haughton has presided over family law, small claims and protective order cases. Her current caseload consists of criminal cases, including most of the domestic violence and sexual assault cases in Monroe County. She served as Presiding Judge of the Monroe County Board of Judges from 2014 through 2016. Val was a Deputy Prosecutor for fourteen years and an attorney in the Office of the Deputy Public Defender for eighteen months prior to her first election in 2008.
Haughton is a member and former chair of the Bloomington Human Rights Commission and serves on the board of directors for the Monroe County Community Kitchen, the Bloomington Playwrights Project, and My Sister’s Closet. In addition to her membership in the Democratic Women’s Caucus, she is a member of the NAACP, the Elks, the Monroe County Bar Association and the National Bar Association.
In 2015, Haughton was named City of Bloomington Woman of the Year and in 2018, she and her husband - Frank Motley - received the Living Legends award at that year’s Black History Month Gala. They have five children and nineteen grandchildren.

— Valeri Vaughton, Monroe County Circuit Court

State Rep. Rita Fleming represents Indiana House District 71 in the Indiana House of Representatives. She was elected to the House on Nov. 6, 2018. Fleming is the ranking minority member of the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee. She also serves on the Natural Resources and Public Health committees. Fleming graduated from Murray State University, earning graduate degrees from Vanderbilt University and the University of Louisville.

She was a registered nurse, then a nurse practitioner. After completing medical school and residency, she began a career as an obstetrician/gynecologist. She delivered over 7,000 babies at Louisville hospitals and Clark Memorial Hospital. Rita taught medical students for nine years, and currently, work part-time as an obstetric hospitalist.

Fleming has served on the Jeffersonville Planning Commission and Zoning Boards through a couple of administrations. She also serves on the Library Foundation Board. Fleming helped restore downtown Jeffersonville through the rehabilitation of several buildings and has served on the local Main Street Board since 1999.

— Rita Fleming, Indiana Houe District 71

"I want to represent the people of Indiana State District 85 because they deserve someone
who supports their best interests and who is not only willing to hear their concerns but is
accessible to his constituents. I am committed to enacting changes in our state to create a more inclusive and welcoming place for all people. Teachers, union workers, and the working class have been neglected for far too long and I am running to change that."

— Pablo Hurtado, Indiana Houe District 85

State Representative Ed DeLaney is a retired lawyer. He has both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the State University of New York at Binghamton. Shortly after DeLaney married Ann McGovern, he began his service as a junior officer in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from Harvard Law School with honors in 1973 and began work in Indianapolis at the firm now named Barnes and Thornburg. DeLaney currently serves as a member of the Education, Judiciary, and Ways and Means committees. He is also the Assistant Democratic Caucus Chair.

DeLaney and Ann married in 1967 and have been blessed with three adult children: Kathleen, with whom they practiced law; Jennifer, a physician in St. Louis; and Tim, who is a deputy prosecutor for Marion County. They have eight active grandchildren.

— Ed Delaney, Indiana House District 86

Pete Cowden is a life long public servant, who is looking to continue his service as District 35’s next State Senator. Pete’s first step into service was at the age of 18 when he decided to join the Army and completed the rigorous testing to become an Army Ranger. He served 3 combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan until a parachuting accident forced him to be medically retired. Upon coming home and completing his education Pete decided to continue his service by joining the Wayne Township Trustee’s Office as a Veteran Service Officer. Working in the Trustee’s office Pete learned about the issues that many of his neighbors face and that the State government is not doing anything. That’s why if elected Pete promises to Listen, Serve and Unite district 35.

— Pete Cowden, Indiana Senate District 35

"I am honored to receive the endorsement of Indiana Stonewall Democrats.  I remain committed to ensuring full equality in my community of HD6 in South Bend, and across Indiana. Together, we can create a more inclusive Indiana, as we work to create a comprehensive hate crimes bill, protect LGBTQ+ rights in the classroom and workplace, and promote policy change that advances equality."

— Maureen Bauer, Indiana House District 6

"I have been a vocal voice in the Statehouse for LGBTQ rights, most notably supporting a comprehensive hate crimes law and opposing tax payer support of private schools that discriminate for any reason including sexual orientation or gender identity.  I will proudly continue to be a champion for the LGBTQ community at the Statehouse and where ever my voice and my vote can support equal rights and protections for all."

— Carey Hamilton, Indiana House District 87

"My name is Stephen Folz, I have lived in Southwest Indiana most all my life. I grew up on Cumberland avenue near the Howell Train Yards with my father, step-mother, 4 brothers, and 7 sisters where I attended St. Agnes Grade School and Reitz High School. 

I have spent 9 years as Secretary/Treasurer of my local union and 16 years as an International Representative where I have been involved in negotiating Quality Healthcare and Pension plans for over 12,000 Hoosiers and their families. Also over the last 25 years, I have been involved in Labor/Management programs, Worker Recruitment and Training Programs. 

I sat on the Vanderburgh Redevelopment board in the 90s, I have been the Precinct Committeeman for German-6 for 25 years and Ward Leader for Scott and German. My latest endeavor, I ran for Indiana House of Representatives District 76. I am starting my retirement March 1, 2019 and plan on continuing to work with Southwest Indiana residents, creating opportunities for our young adults to be successful living in southwest Indiana.

— Stephen Folz, Indiana House District 76

Naomi grew up in Bethesda, Maryland and graduated from Duke University, where she majored in public policy. After graduation, Naomi met her husband Marty and moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where she enrolled in Lehigh University’s M.B.A. program.  Today, Marty and Naomi have been married for over 31 years, their daughter has graduated from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and lives in Louisville, and their son is a graduate of Purdue University and recently moved to Memphis Naomi is a local community leader and professional educator with Purdue Extension. For over a decade, she’s listened to the needs of local communities, mediated between sharply divided opinions, and worked to find a collaborative path for progress. Naomi has also served as a member on the Carmel Clay Parks Foundation Board of Directors, as a founding member of the Carmel Kiwanis Club, and as President for the Indiana affiliate of the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. In all of these roles, she has consistently proven herself to be an independent thinker, thoughtful listener, and a valuable member of the community. Since my move to Carmel Naomi has been employed at Purdue University, first as a 4-H Youth Extension Educator and presently as an Extension Specialist supporting Educators throughout the state in the area of personal financial management. 

— Naomi Bechtold, Indiana House District 24

Angela Elliott is an experienced business professional, wife, mom, and lifelong Hoosier.  She studied computer science and business, graduating from IU Bloomington in 1990.  She has a variety of business and project leadership experience, including working at Eli Lilly and Company for over 20 year. She is a pragmatic problem-solver and a fierce advocate for others. Her platform is strong and sensible: education, employment, the environment, and equality for all, the Four E's. She is a supporter of Education, the Environment, Employment, and Equality for All.  She is a strong advocate for teachers and for students, of all ages. Angela loves the outdoors and wants to see us keep our land, air, and water clean and safe for future generations to enjoy. She wants to attract more employers to our city to offer good jobs to our citizens, to make sure that all Indiana residents are offered opportunities to get training for good jobs.  Finally, she believes that our community benefits when everyone is given a fair chance and diversity is recognized as a strength. Angela is running to take action and drive improvement in policy and legislation that will move Indiana forward into the bright future that is possible and that all Hoosiers deserve.

— Angela Elliott, Indiana House District 93

 

State Representative Ryan Hatfield has served as a member of the Indiana House of
Representatives, representing his hometown of Evansville, since 2016. He is a member
of the Judiciary, Public Health, and Utilities, Energy and Telecommunication
committees. Hatfield is a lawyer at Hatfield Law Office, LLC in Evansville and an adjunct
faculty member at Ivy Tech Community College.
Prior to serving in the Indiana General Assembly and joining the law firm, Hatfield was a
deputy prosecutor in Vanderburgh County, where he prosecuted homicides, sexual
assaults and drug offenses. During his tenure, Hatfield secured one of Indiana’s first
convictions alleging Munchausen Syndrome by proxy. As a member of the Vanderburgh
County Treatment Court, as well as the Veterans Court, he worked to transition drug-
addicted offenders into rehabilitation and back into their community. He also served as
an instructor at the Southwest Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Hatfield serves as a Commissioner of the National Conference of Commissioners on
Uniform State Laws, an organization that provides states with nonpartisan legislation
that brings clarity and stability to critical areas of state statutory law. His legal expertise,
competency, professional reputation, and ethical standards have earned him
distinctions such as Rue’s Ratings’ Best Attorneys of America®, Top 10% in the USA by
Lawyers of Distinction, and The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40. In 2018, Rep.
Hatfield was recognized by Indiana Farm Bureau as an Emerging Leader. In 2019, ITLA
named him Legislator of the Year.
Ryan’s wife, Kendra, is a pediatric registered nurse at St. Vincent’s Evansville. They
have one daughter. The Hatfields are active on local boards and committees,
particularly for the protection and care of children.

— Ryan Hatfield, Indiana House District 77

My passion is Public Education and I will be the Representative that stands up for our Public School Teachers and adequate and equitable funding for all schools.

— Teresa Kendall, Indiana House District 63

I’m a mother, a grandmother, a retired businesswoman and attorney. My job in this life is to leave this world a better place than I found it. I am strong because I have an entire tribe of other women who have my back!

— Cindy Reinert, Indiana House District 58

Born in East Central Indiana, I’ve been been guided by the Hoosier values that are so important to so many of us. I attended Ball State University where I began my studies in Social Studies Education. Soon thereafter I met the love of my life, Chris Snider, and we settled in the Selma area to raise our family. I’m a lifelong member of St. Lawrence Church in Muncie, Indiana, and our three children - Maggie, Luke, and Abby - all attended Wapahani High School. In the Spring and Summer, Chris and I have the most fun traveling to different major league ballparks!

Chris and I were deeply involved in our children’s lives as they grew up. Maggie was an outstanding basketball and softball player, Luke was a member of the state champion baseball team, and Abby was a conference champion in golf. In the last few years, Maggie and her husband have blessed us with two grandchildren. Seeing my children start their own families has helped me realize that all that time and energy I had poured into raising children now represented an opportunity to serve in new capacity.

As a government teacher, I’ve always taught service and citizenship to my students and running for office has long been a dream of mine. This campaign is one of my most important lesson plans, as I hope my candidacy will show my students how our democracy is only as strong as those that participate. My commitment to service has led me to into opportunities as a coach, as a class sponsor, a debate club, a student advisory board sponsor, teachers’ association building representative, and department chair. My efforts to get students out and engaged by attending local government meetings has helped me to twice be named as a city council Citizen of the Month.

While the Red for Ed movement and years of poorly conceived education policy from our legislature certainly contributed to my decision to seize this moment, my candidacy is about so much more. Simply put, my aims are to protect, energize, and grow East Central Indiana.

I appreciate you taking the time to learn more of my story and I hope you’ll connect to our campaign so that I best represent your vision for East Central Indiana in our state legislature.

— Julie Snider , Indiana House District 33

"I am so grateful to Indiana Stonewall Democrats for their support during my 2019 campaign. Their grassroots support in fundraising and social media outreach allowed us to reach so many more of our neighbors. And I look forward to working alongside them to elect even more LGBTQ+ and allies."

— Keith Potts, Indianapolis City-County Council

“Being a member of Indiana Stonewall Democrat’s has been incredibly fulfilling. We have advocated change in our State Party Platform to make it more inclusive and we are constantly educating the rest of the Democratic Community about how we can do better for EVERYONE. It was a no-brainer that when I ran for office, I would seek out ISD’s support. It was instrumental in my historic victory. I am proud to be a member of Indiana Stonewall Democrats.”

— Ali Brown, Indianapolis City-County Council 

“Indiana Stonewall Democrats endorsements for my last 3 elections have been a great asset to my campaigns. Having statewide reach, this endorsement goes out to all Stonewall members and helps me reach like-minded voters, volunteers, and donors. ISD and their endorsement has been a critical part of my campaign strategies for nearly a decade. I’m grateful for the collaboration and support they’ve given our efforts."

— Zach Adamson, Vice President, Indianapolis City-County Council
District 17

"I'm most grateful for the material and logistical support that Indiana Stonewall Democrats provided in my successful run for City Council in Greencastle. The caucus leadership helped me leverage resources and data effectively in my campaign."

— Veronica Pejril, Greencastle City Council

"The Indiana Stonewall Democrats are instrumental in championing the rights of LGBTQIA+ persons in Indiana, and I was proud to receive their endorsement in 2019. They provided great support during the campaign and were a pleasure to work with."
— John Hamilton, Mayor of Bloomington

"As an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, I was honored to be endorsed by Indiana Stonewall Democrats in my campaign for City-County Council in Indianapolis. Their endorsement was crucial in our campaign as they were consistently there with us canvassing, phone banking, and at the polls on Election Day. I am proud to have earned the support of ISD as an ally and I look forward to continuing my support of legislation that is inclusive of all Hoosiers."

— Kristin Jones, Indianapolis City-County Council Review

Alex Burton, Evansville City Council

Crista Carlino, Indianapolis City-County Council

"As an LGBTQ candidate in 2019, the endorsement by Indiana Stonewall Democrats was immensely helpful, bringing communication and support from a large sector of constituents.
Indiana Stonewall Democrats’ endorsement helped amplify my platform and increase awareness for my campaign. At the end of the day, the election win in November became a reality with their support."

— Ethan Evans, Indianapolis City-County Council

Tom Henry, Mayor of Fort Wayne

Shawn Denney, Lawrence City Council