Zody gets new term as leader of state’s Democratic Party

John Zody on Saturday was re-elected to his second four-year as the chairman of the Indiana Democratic Party chairman, the party announced Saturday.

Zody was elected over challengers John Aguilera, a former four-term state representative, and state Sen. Lonnie Randolph, a former judge. Randolph and Aguilera are both from East Chicago.

Zody said he was "humbled and honored" to be re-elected.

Democratic candidates lost in every statewide election last year.

"We learned hard lessons in 2016 but the aftermath has provided us with an enormous opportunity,” Zody said in written comments. “To capitalize on this opportunity, we must be proactive."

Zody was born in Vigo County, raised in Morgan County and lives in Bloomington. He worked as former U.S. Rep. Baron Hill's chief of staff and led President Barack Obama's re-election effort in the Midwest. He replaced Dan Parker, who led the state party for eight years.

Also Saturday, Cordelia Lewis Burks was re-elected vice chair. Rick Sutton was elected to serve as party secretary, and Henry Fernandez was elected to serve as treasurer.