La Keisha Jackson will be sworn into the Indiana General Assembly on April 24. (Photo/Indiana Black Legislative Caucus)
Marilyn Odendahl
The Indiana Citizen
April 19, 2024
The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus is welcoming La Keisha Jackson to the Indiana General Assembly, saying she “will work tirelessly for the betterment of our state.”
Jackson, an Indianapolis City-County councilor, was elected Thursday night in a Democratic Party caucus to fill the legislative seat formerly held by the late State Sen. Jean Breaux. Precinct committee members elected Jackson in a 30-to-15 vote over Chunia Graves.
Jackson will be sworn into the legislature at 1 p.m. April 24 in the Statehouse.
“I am eager to collaborate with esteemed colleagues in the State Senate to advocate for our constituents and drive positive change in our communities,” Jackson said in a statement. “I am especially excited to represent Senate District 34 to fight for what’s most important for those I now represent. I look forward to stepping into my role of State Senator.”
In her acceptance speech, Jackson said Breaux’s legacy would live on.
“I cannot walk in her shoes because those are big shoes to follow,” Jackson said of Breaux. “But what I do promise you is I will advocate, work hard, listen, and fight the good fight.”
Breaux died in March after representing District 34, which includes portions of Center, Lawrence, Warren and Washington townships, in the legislature for nearly 18 years. Described by legislators as a dedicated public servant and a fierce advocate, Breaux championed women’s and children’s causes and regularly worked with Republican colleagues on legislation.
This is the first time a member of the Breaux family won’t be representing that Senate district in 34 years. Breaux joined the State Senate in 2006, after winning a Democratic caucus election to fill the seat being vacated by her mother, Billie Breaux, who had represented District 34 from 1990 to 2006.
“Though Sen.-elect Jackson joins us under tragic circumstances with the passing of our dear colleague Sen. Breaux, there is no doubt in our minds that she will work tirelessly for the betterment of our state, the Democratic caucus and the (Indiana Black Legislative Caucus),” IBLC chair Rep. Earl Harris, D-East Chicago, said in a statement.
Jackson has served on the City-County Council representing portions of the east side, since 2014. Currently serving District 15, she is chair of the council’s Municipal Corporations Committee.
Working in community and social services for more than 20 years, Jackson is the CEO of Pathway Resource Center Inc. in Indianapolis. In 2008 and 2012, she received the mayor’s community service award. She has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University – Bloomington and holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.
Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, said Jackson will be a valuable member of the Senate Democratic Caucus.
“She will bring expertise and dedication and will strengthen our caucus as we work tirelessly to represent the voices of all Hoosiers,” Taylor said in a statement, adding that Jackson’s service on the City-County Council will be invaluable in the legislature. “Her proven track record of effective governance and commitment to public service will undoubtedly enhance our caucus’ ability to enact meaningful legislation and address the pressing needs of our constituents.”
For Graves, this was her second attempt to serve in the state legislature. She had filed to run against Breaux in the May primary, but she was removed from the ballot after she failed to satisfy a state law that requires candidates to prove their party affiliation by voting in that party’s two previous primaries before running for office.
Although the Indiana Election Commission canceled Graves’ candidacy, commissioner Karen Celestino-Horseman encouraged her to continue to pursue public service. Graves is a clinical therapist with Easterseals and was appointed to the Marion County Corrections Advisory Board in January 2022.
“Our community needs more young women like you to serve as role models and leaders,” Celestino-Horseman told Graves.
Dwight Adams, a freelance editor and writer based in Indianapolis, edited this article. He is a former content editor, copy editor and digital producer at The Indianapolis Star and IndyStar.com, and worked as a planner for other newspapers, including the Louisville Courier Journal.
The Indiana Citizen is a nonpartisan, nonprofit platform dedicated to increasing the number of informed and engaged Hoosier citizens. We are operated by the Indiana Citizen Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. For questions about the story, contact Marilyn Odendahl at marilyn.odendahl@indianacitizen.org
