By Sydney Byerly
The Indiana Citizen
February 12, 2026
The Indiana House paused this week to honor two lawmakers from opposite sides of the aisle whose careers followed different paths but converged in the same place: a chamber that rose in unanimous standing ovation to thank them for their service.
Rep. Sue Errington, a Democrat from Muncie, and Rep. Shane Lindauer, a Republican from Jasper, were recognized with House resolutions and floor tributes that blended humor, gratitude and deeply personal stories from colleagues who said the departing lawmakers shaped both policy and people.
Lindauer, who is stepping away from the legislature at the end of his term, said he plans to return home to Dubois County to spend more time with his family and focus on personal business ventures. Errington, who is not seeking reelection this year, told colleagues she plans to travel, spend more time with family and remain engaged in local politics by running for precinct committee person — one of the few political roles she has not yet held.
Several other lawmakers were also recognized with resolutions throughout the session as they prepare to retire or seek other offices.
Both Lindauer and Errington offered brief remarks, thanked their colleagues and reflected on friendships forged under the Statehouse dome.
Errington’s legacy of persistence, mentorship and constituent service
House lawmakers formally honored Rep. Sue Errington, D-Muncie, with House Resolution 24, authored by Minority Leader Rep. Phil GiaQuinta and co-authored by Democratic Reps. Carey Hamilton and Cherrish Pryor, both representing Indianapolis. The resolution recognized Errington’s decades of public service and her role as a longtime advocate for environmental protection, women’s issues and her Delaware County constituents.
Elected to the Indiana Senate in 2006 before running for the House in 2012, Errington served eight terms representing Delaware County.
GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, recalled Errington’s decision to switch chambers.
“I know you were elected to the Senate in 2006, but after a little bit of a course correction, you decided to run for the House in 2012,” he said. “We’re so happy that you made that decision and were able to spend those years here with us.”
Colleagues described Errington as a fixture of the Statehouse — a lawmaker who answered her own phone calls, wrote handwritten notes and stayed late to meet with constituents.
GiaQuinta joked about Errington’s reputation as a fighter, recalling that on her first day back in 2013, she was mugged outside a drug store and refused to give up a gallon of milk.
“Ever since then, Sue, I know you’ve been a fighter—not only here at the Statehouse but at Walgreens as well,” he said.
Rep. Mitch Gore, D-Indianapolis, said Errington’s résumé spans nearly every level of state and local government — from the Delaware County Council to the Senate to the House — and that she left each role better than she found it.
“Sue’s been a true champion for women and women’s rights and a consistent advocate for protecting our environment long before those causes were popular,” Gore said. “Indiana is better because Sue Errington chose to serve.”
Several lawmakers recalled Errington’s mentorship.
Rep. Blake Johnson, D-Indianapolis, told colleagues he volunteered on her campaign as a young would-be speechwriter and said her willingness to give him a chance “truly changed the trajectory of my life.”
“Sue took that chance on me,” Johnson said. “That first yes opened doors for me to work on campaigns, serve on Capitol Hill and ultimately run for office. That’s who Sue is — she sees potential in people and invests in others.”
Others remembered her warmth. Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, said her personality left a lasting impression.
“Often when I’m in my district, people ask me how I am, and I tell them I’m great, but I’m even better because I’m here with you. And I want to say that to Sue today: I’m better because our paths have crossed,” Smith said. “Sue, I’m going to miss you. I’m going to miss your smile, your genuine attitude about everything. You are one in a million, and I want you to know not only do I care about you, but I love you.”
Rep. Renee Pack, D-Indianapolis, joked about their informal camaraderie, saying Errington was part of the “huh huh club,” a small group of lawmakers who sat beside one another on the House floor but oftentimes couldn’t hear what was happening. Pack called Errington a trusted friend and mentor who helped guide newer members through the legislature.
Rep. Sheila Klinker, D-Lafayette, spoke tenderly about their friendship, describing Errington as someone who always offered encouragement and kindness.
“Rep. Errington has been one of those leaders that will never be forgotten. She took on the tough issues at a very difficult time, and we will miss her leadership and her kind personality.”
Errington herself reflected on her years in the minority, joking about the differences between the House and Senate — including wider aisles in the upper chamber and colleagues knocking over her desk flags — and said perseverance defined her career.
“It’s bittersweet to be leaving,” she said. “I’m leaving knowing there are still things left undone, but I’m counting on you all and those who come after me to take up the torch.”
The House also adopted House Resolution 21, authored by Rep. Greg Steuerwald, R-Avon, to honor Rep. Shane Lindauer, R-Jasper, for his nearly decade-long tenure in the chamber.
First appointed in 2017 to represent House District 63 after then-Rep. Mike Braun vacated the seat to run for U.S. Senate, Lindauer served nine years in the Indiana House, rising from a freshman lawmaker to vice chair and then chair of the House Natural Resources Committee.
On Monday afternoon, his fellow lawmakers recounted Lindauer’s early days at the Statehouse, his faith, his leadership style and his role in shaping relationships across the aisle.
Rep. Stephen Bartels, R-Eckerty, who served alongside Lindauer from Dubois County, reflected on their shared background and faith. “We share the same county.… We found out that we have a lot in common,” he said, noting that “the most important thing that Shane and I share is our faith. We put family first.”
He also recalled their rookie-year living arrangements, joking that their apartment was “not quite a fraternity house,” complete with milk crates and early-morning smoothie making. Bartels also reminisced about the early days when the two would go out and people would often mix up their names, so they went by “Shartels.”
Humor carried through the chamber as lawmakers recalled Lindauer’s quirks and nicknames.
Rep. Jack Jordan, R-Breman, said Lindauer earned the nickname “Shane-nanigans” for maneuvering bills through committees and teased that after nine years, “you’re missing the license plate cut off as it stands right now.”
Rep. Matt Hostettler, R-Patoka Lake, called him a role model.
“You’re a good and faithful servant,” Hostettler said. “A lot of people look up to see what you’re going to do… You definitely emulate our Savior.”
Rep. David Abbott, R-Fort Wayne, said Lindauer made a point to mentor colleagues when they joined his committee.
“You took me in, explained everything, and we would go over each bill together,” Abbott said. “You’re always thoughtful. You always gave full attention.”
Rep. Martin Carbaugh, R-Fort Wayne, thanked Lindauer for his friendship and for personally calling him before announcing his decision to step aside.
“I don’t like that I got that call, but I am very happy for you and your family,” Carbaugh said.
There was humor too. Rep. J.D. Prescott, R-Union City, joked he repeatedly urged Lindauer to reconsider retiring.
“Hey, there’s still time to file,” Prescott said, about his daily reminders. “Well, I can’t say that anymore, Shane.”
Lindauer responded with jokes of his own about the Legislature’s lighter side — the burger caucus, pizza caucus and Euchre caucus — before turning reflective and speaking directly to his family in the gallery, “I swear that I actually worked while I was up here,” he said with a grin.
“It’s been a true blessing to serve with you all,” Lindauer added. “I could go most anywhere in the state now and have somebody within a half hour that I could call if I needed something. That’s a true blessing.”
As lawmakers wrapped their tributes, the House voted unanimously to adopt both resolutions. Lindauer and Errington stood as colleagues applauded, some lining up to hug them on the floor.
Speaker Todd Huston praised both lawmakers for their service, noting Lindauer’s leadership as a committee chair and Errington’s kindness and passion for Muncie and Ball State University.
For a moment, partisan lines faded in a chamber often defined by them.
Instead, colleagues traded stories — about Bible studies and late-night policy debates, campaign mentorships and legislative inside jokes — and thanked two lawmakers who helped shape the institution in their own ways.
Both Errington and Lindauer said the relationships built at the Statehouse would endure long after their final votes.
Sydney Byerly is a political reporter who grew up in New Albany, Indiana. Before joining The Citizen, Sydney reported news for TheStatehouseFile.com and most recently managed and edited The Corydon Democrat & Clarion News in southern Indiana. She earned her bachelor’s in journalism at Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism (‘Sco Griz!).
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.
