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Democratic organizers expressed hope that they can capture the energy that lifted Barack Obama to win the state in 2008. (Photo/Javonte Anderson of Capital B)

This story was originally published by Capital B Gary

By Capital B Gary staff
Capital B Gary
October 4, 2024

A festive energy swept through Gary, as hundreds gathered Thursday to celebrate the opening of the first Kamala Harris and Tim Walz campaign headquarters in Indiana.

Outside the office along Gary’s main thoroughfare, a large Harris and Walz banner stretched across the building, while colorful balloons floated above the bustling crowd. Supporters in campaign shirts waved flags as passing cars honked, turning the busy street into an impromptu celebration.

Indiana Democrats say the headquarters, located at 1520 Broadway, will serve as a crucial resource for Lake County, offering election updates, voter registration assistance, phone banking, and canvassing opportunities. The office will also provide rides to polling places and campaign signage for the Harris/Walz ticket and local Democratic races. Open seven days a week until the election, local Democrats said they hope it serves as a regional hub for grassroots organizing, helping residents stay engaged and informed throughout the campaign.

 

Harris/Walz campaign office opening
Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate Indiana’s first Harris/Walz presidential headquarters in Gary. (Photo/Javonte Anderson of Capital B)

 

The new headquarters, the first for the Harris/Walz ticket in Indiana, signals an effort to revitalize Democratic energy in a state that has historically leaned red. In 2008, Indiana turned blue for the first time in over four decades when Barack Obama narrowly won the state with 49.9% of the vote. Since then, the state has returned to voting Republican, but campaign organizers believe they can recapture that “Obama-era energy.”

“I think people are just accustomed to the belief that Indiana is so red that anything they do doesn’t matter. And I beg to differ,” said Tracie Martin, a coordinator with the Harris/Walz Indiana headquarters. “That energy is still here — it’s time we lift everybody. We want everyone to realize we can turn Indiana blue again.”

The establishment of the Gary office is widely attributed to grassroots organizing, with local leaders pushing for a campaign presence in the region. The decision to open the headquarters in Gary was no accident. As state Sen. Lonnie Randolph, who spearheaded the push to secure this headquarters, explained, “Gary has always been the key area when it comes to voters and people countywide getting elected. So, why not originate here?”

Randolph said the idea for a Harris/Walz headquarters in Indiana originated after the Democratic National Convention. He also credited Gary Mayor Eddie Melton for playing an instrumental role in making the office a reality.

Hundreds of people gathered Thursday evening not only to witness the opening but to hear local Democrats vocalize their support for Harris, Walz, and other Indiana Democrats running for office next month. Three vendors set up shop just outside the headquarters, selling Harris T-shirts to capitalize on the moment.

 

Harris/Walz campaign office opening
Gale Thomas waves a Harris/Walz flag during Thursday’s event. “I’m going to do my part,” she said. “I want her to win.” (Photo/Javonte Anderson of Capital B)

 

For some, like Gale Thomas of Merrillville, the opening wasn’t just about politics — it was personal. Thomas stood on the curb for much of the evening, proudly waving a Harris/Walz flag and smiling at passing cars.

“I’ve been trying to volunteer for the longest time, but I didn’t know where to search,” she said, grateful for the proximity of the new headquarters.

“I’m going to do my part,” she said. “I want her to win.”

Javonte Anderson is the editor of Capital B Gary. You can reach Javonte at javonte.anderson@capitalbnews.org.

Capital B is a local-national nonprofit news organization that centers Black voices, audience needs and experiences, and partners with the communities it serves.

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