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This story was originally published by TheStatehouseFile.com.

By Staff Reports
TheStatehouseFile.com
November 6, 2024

The Statehouse File is still cleaning up after a long Election Day that saw Republicans hang on to their supermajority status in Indiana and upset the balance of power nationally.

Our partners over at WFYI have published a comprehensive list of election results. Go here for the data.

We’re still adding bits and pieces of the story to our live blog, which our 30 student journalists ran from 6 a.m. to past midnight Tuesday. You can see our interviews with voters, candidates, volunteers and more here.

Below is just a sampling of what’s coming in through email and social media as the state and nation digest a historic day in politics.

—TheStatehouseFile.com Staff

On Wednesday, Indiana House Republicans re-elected Rep. Todd Huston, R-Fishers, to serve as House speaker during a caucus in Indianapolis.

From the press release: “Huston is expected to be confirmed by the full Indiana House of Representatives on Organization Day on Nov. 19, which will be the formal start to the 2025 legislative session. …

“Huston was first elected as speaker in March 2020 to fill the remaining term of retiring House Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis). This will be Huston’s second full term serving as House Speaker.

House Republicans also re-elected State Rep. Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) as Majority Caucus Chair, State Rep. Matt Lehman (R-Berne) as Majority Floor Leader and Caroline Spotts as House Clerk.”

Huston: “It’s a tremendous honor and a privilege to lead our House Republican team, especially as Indiana’s future has never looked brighter. We’re ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work delivering results for Hoosier taxpayers and building on our track record of supporting strong families, schools, businesses and communities. I look forward to partnering with Governor-elect Mike Braun and our Senate colleagues in the session ahead.”

The Indiana Senate Majority Caucus met Wednesday in Indianapolis to elect its leadership team for the 124th General Assembly.

From the press release: “Caucus members voted to re-elect Sen. Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, as their choice for Senate President Pro Tempore. In accordance with Senate rules, the Democrat caucus will also weigh in on Bray’s selection during the legislature’s official Organization Day on Nov. 19.

“State Sen. Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) will continue to serve in his role as Majority Floor Leader, and State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) will continue his role as Majority Caucus Chairman. …

“Lawmakers will gather at the Statehouse on Nov. 19 for Organization Day, the ceremonial start of the 2025 session. Members of the public can view calendars, proposed legislation, livestreamed meetings and more online at iga.in.gov.”

Bray: “It is not lost on me that the position of Senate President Pro Tempore is a job that carries a tremendous amount of responsibility, and I am extremely grateful to the members of my caucus who have placed their faith in me to lead this esteemed body. I’m also pleased to continue to have Sens. Holdman and Garten on the leadership team, who have proven themselves to be level-headed and practical leaders in the Senate. My caucus is full of talented leaders, and we are ready to get back to the Statehouse on behalf of Hoosiers as we undertake crafting the state’s next budget in the 2025 session.”

Indiana’s Governor-elect Mike Braun announced Wednesday the senior appointments to his transition team and inaugural committee.

From the press release: “Serving as Transition Chair is Victor Smith, a partner in the business services and governmental services groups at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP and a principal of Bose Public Affairs. He previously served as Indiana Secretary of Commerce under former Governor Mike Pence. Serving as Transition Director is Joshua Kelley, currently serving as Braun’s chief of staff in the United States Senate and longtime campaign strategist.

“Braun appointed chairwoman of the 2024 Republican National Convention Anne Hathaway to serve as the Chairwoman of the Inaugural Committee. Founder of Hathaway Strategies, Hathaway recently served as chairwoman of the Indiana State Republican Committee and has served in a leadership role in three national GOP conventions. Emily Daniels Spaulding, owner of Daniels Spaulding Consulting and veteran event planner, will serve in the role as inaugural director.

“The Transition Team’s Vice Chairs include:

“Betsy Wiley, president and CEO of Hoosiers for Quality Education, after serving eight years as deputy chief of staff for former Governor Mitch Daniels. She is also a board member of the not-for-profit organization Hoosiers for Opportunity, Prosperity & Enterprise (HOPE).

“Jim Bopp, a Terre Haute-based attorney and owner of The Bopp Law Firm PC, also secretary, treasurer and general counsel of HOPE.

“Ryan Kitchell, interim CEO of the Crossroads of America Council and chairman of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet under Governor Eric Holcomb. He is the former director of the Indiana Office of Management and Budget under former Governor Mitch Daniels.

“James Purucker, president of John Frick & Associates and a board member of HOPE.

“Brad Rateike, founding principal of Bar Communications and former deputy press secretary for former Gov. Daniels and former director of cabinet communications for former President Donald J. Trump.

“Randy Head, a Logansport-based former state senator, attorney and current chairman of the Indiana State Republican Committee.

“Matt Bell, a former state representative from Fort Wayne who is currently a principal in Catalyst Public Affairs Group.

“Dan Dumezich, a former state representative from Northwest Indiana and retired partner and tax attorney at Deloitte Tax LLP.

“Additional details about roles, responsibilities and any personnel additions to the Transition Team or Inaugural Committee will be released in the coming days. The transition team and inaugural committee will begin their work immediately, focusing on key priorities such as policy development, agency reviews, and the planning of inaugural events and celebrations. A website (link below) has been launched to share information and serve as a portal for those interested in submitting resumes for volunteer positions on the Transition Team and Inaugural Committee or for consideration for positions in state government.

“To access the Transition Team website, please visit: https://www.brauntransition.com/team/“

Braun: “Now is the time when the real work begins, where we can show Hoosiers the type of stewards we will be with all the trust placed in us. I am honored to have assembled such an exceptional team of individuals who bring a wealth of experience, expertise, and a shared commitment to serving the people of Indiana.”

Reactions came in to Sen. Mike Braun winning Indiana’s gubernatorial race:

Dr. Jennifer McCormick, Democratic gubernatorial candidate, in a Tuesday night press release: “A few minutes ago, I called the Governor-elect and congratulated him. While tonight’s outcome is disappointing, I know we waged a campaign based on hope and optimism, not one of fear and chaos. I’m so incredibly thankful to the millions of Hoosiers who voted and made their voices heard. Thank you to our supporters and volunteers for their energy and enthusiasm. Because of all of you, I remain confident that Hoosier hospitality and ingenuity will ensure that Indiana’s best days remain ahead of us. Simply put, Hoosiers define the Hoosier State, not the Governor. For now, I’m confident the sun will come up tomorrow, as it has every day after the other 51 men were elected governor. Thank you so much, and God bless the great state of Indiana.”

Americans for Prosperity-Indiana (AFP-IN) State Director Josh Webb: “We are thrilled to congratulate Mike Braun on his successful bid for Indiana Governor. As a small business owner, Mike Braun understands the hardships many are facing with skyrocketing inflation and has the solutions and experience to help set Indiana on a path of economic growth and opportunity for every Hoosier.

“We applaud our grassroots activists and volunteers for reaching out to over 300,000 voters to support Mike Braun. As Indiana’s next Governor, Braun will continue advancing limited government solutions that empower Hoosiers and increase our state’s competitiveness throughout the Midwest.”

This has been a record-breaking year as AFP and AFP Action separately engaged in a staggering 647 races, including 7 critical U.S. Senate races and 44 U.S. House races. AFP and AFP Action’s grassroots army across the country reached out to more than 19.5+ million voters—AFP and AFP Action’s largest effort in our 20-year history. AFP Action’s engagement in federal races is critical as we get back to promoting candidates who will advance good policy in Washington and AFP and AFP Action’s engagement in state legislative races continues their commitment to championing policy solutions and limited government principles that empower states across the country.”

U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, on Twitter: “Congratulations to Mike Braun on his big victory tonight. Mike’s experience in business and Congress have prepared him to be an incredibly effective governor. We’ve partnered together on issues that affect Indiana, and Mike is always thinking about how his decisions will impact Hoosiers.”

The Indiana Democratic Party released the following statement from Chairman Mike Schmuhl on the results of the 2024 statewide elections in Indiana:

“Tonight, the results were not what we hoped for, but we want to thank the millions of Hoosiers who made their voices heard in this election, and our statewide candidates Jennifer McCormick, Terry Goodin, Destiny Wells, and Valerie McCray for running meaningful campaigns and connecting with Hoosier voters across our state. We still believe Hoosiers deserve more balance in our state’s politics and a party that works everyday to hold our state government to account, and fights for more freedoms and opportunity. That’s what our party will continue to do in the coming weeks, months, and years.

“Jennifer McCormick’s campaign left no stone unturned and talked to Hoosiers in every county, bringing a message of hope, optimism, and a better future. Destiny Wells ran a strong campaign to bring integrity back to the AG’s office and fight for workers, women, and all Hoosiers. Valerie McCray ran a historic race as the first Black woman to be a major party nominee for U.S. Senate in Indiana, on restoring Hoosiers’ reproductive freedom, and being a Senator who would show up for Hoosiers.

“Our state is better off for the campaigns they ran and we would like to also thank our candidates up and down the ballot, their teams, our supporters and allies, and the Hoosier voters who participated in this important election.”

Attorney General Todd Rokita retained his post in the 2024 election.

Rokita, on Twitter: “Thank you Indiana! I will continue to protect Hoosier jobs, our values, and our families because of your support. I will always put US first!”

Former President Donald Trump beat Vice President Kamala Harris to win the U.S. presidential race.

U.S. Sen. Todd Young, R-Indiana, on Twitter: “Congratulations to President Trump and Senator Vance on their decisive victory.

“The incoming Trump Administration and now Republican Senate majority will work together to reverse the open border policies of the last four years and address the economic challenges facing families in Indiana and across the country.”

Anthony Romero, ACLU executive director: “The results of the election are in: Donald Trump will be the 47th President of the United States.

“I know these results create fear for many, particularly those whose communities have been most targeted and threatened by the President-elect’s extreme rhetoric and policy proposals. If President-elect Trump comes for our communities, he’s gotta get past all of us.

“President-elect Trump has been crystal clear about his plans to deport one million immigrants every year and target the enemy within—which, for Trump, means anyone who disagrees with him. He is dead serious about seeking retribution against his political opponents and deploying federal law enforcement to shut down protests and muzzle dissent. Guided by Project 2025, we are sure he will try to make good on those promises.

“He and the administration officials he will put in place will work to attack the rights of LGBTQ people, implement archaic and cruel immigration policies, undermine press freedoms, and make it harder for Americans to vote.

“It is not hyperbolic to say that this president presents a clear and present danger to our democracy.

“But here at the ACLU, we’re clear-eyed about the chaos and destruction a second Trump administration will cause to our nation. We’re done with the hand wringing. We won’t be admiring this problem. Instead, we are ready to take action the minute Trump takes the oath of office.”

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