Indiana Midterms Shift Power, Boost School Funding
Turnout surged by 160,000 voters, Democrats broke House supermajority, and Indianapolis approved a 63% school tax measure.
By Rafael Bailey ·
Approximately 2 million residents voted in Indiana’s midterm elections last Tuesday. That figure marks an increase of 160,000 people compared to the 2022 midterms. Early voting also rose by 40 percent from the previous cycle.
The results altered the balance of power in the state legislature. Democrats ended the Republican supermajority in the Indiana House. They also flipped several historically Republican districts in the Senate. Republicans had held supermajorities in the House since 2012 and the Senate since 2010.
Statewide races produced new leadership as well. Beau Bayh won the office of Secretary of State. He is the first Democrat to win statewide office since 2012. Jessica Bailey was elected state comptroller. Daniel Elliot retained his position as treasurer after defeating Coumba Kebe.
Voters also changed the state constitution through two ballot measures. One measure allows courts to deny bail more frequently if a defendant poses a risk to public safety. Previously, judges could only deny bail in cases involving murder or treason. The second measure permits city or town court judges to live in a neighboring county or town rather than the same jurisdiction where they serve.
The Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce’s Business Advocacy Committee endorsed candidates for legislative seats. The group supported six Senate candidates and 26 House candidates. Five of the Senate endorsements won their races. Twenty of the House endorsements won their seats.
Local voters focused heavily on public education. Thirty-eight school districts statewide placed referendums on the ballot. Most measures in the Indianapolis region passed. Districts including Carmel Clay, Noblesville, Hamilton Southeastern, Beech Grove City Schools, MSD of Washington Township, MSD of Wayne Township, and Zionsville all approved their respective votes.
Indianapolis voters approved a new operating referendum for Indianapolis Public Schools and public charter schools. The measure passed with about 63 percent of the vote. It was advanced by the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation on behalf of all public schools within IPS boundaries.
The referendum secures roughly 95 million dollars in annual funding for four years. That amount will be split equally between IPS and approximately 60 charter schools. The funds support services for students with disabilities and English Language Learners. They also aim to improve teacher pay and retention.
The new tax rate is 37.2 cents per 100 dollars of assessed value. A homeowner with a property value of 150,000 dollars will pay about 220 dollars annually under the new measure. The Chamber supported the referendum as an investment in the region’s educational stability.
The Indianapolis Chamber plans to build relationships with the new legislators during the upcoming months. The organization will seek bipartisan coalitions ahead of the 2027 legislative session. It will continue its advocacy efforts year-round through monthly legislative updates.
