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Over the past year, I’ve written about what it will take to build a better Indiana—one with an economy that works for all, a stronger foundation, a safer city, a sustainable future and a democracy that puts people first. That vision is possible, but we cannot ignore the reality holding us back: One-party Republican dominance has stalled progress across all 92 counties.
It wasn’t always this way. Indiana had a Democratic governor as recently as 2005. Barack Obama won Indiana in 2008. Joe Donnelly was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2012.
If Indiana Democrats want to compete statewide again, we need to rethink how we build power—not just in election years but every day. That starts with strengthening our party’s foundation, and that foundation is Indianapolis.
Marion County is Indiana’s largest Democratic stronghold, yet turnout in Indianapolis lags behind that of other urban centers in Republican-leaning states. In Kansas, Shawnee County (Topeka) saw turnout around 67% in 2024. In Kentucky, where Democrats hold the governorship despite Republican control of the Legislature, turnout has regularly reached percentages in the mid-60s. These states are just as conservative as Indiana—yet their Democratic bases turn out at higher levels.
By contrast, Marion County’s turnout was just 55% in 2024—lower than in 2012 and 2020. That’s not just a Marion County problem; it’s a statewide problem. When Democrats fail to maximize turnout in Indianapolis, every statewide race becomes harder to win. Without a strong, engaged base here, we won’t have the numbers to compete across Indiana.
Look at battleground states where Democrats are winning: In Milwaukee County, turnout reached nearly 89% in 2024, helping reelect Wisconsin U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. In Maricopa County (Phoenix), turnout hit 80%, helping elect Arizona U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego. Indiana is not a battleground, but turnout at that scale is what makes states competitive.
A decade ago, Marion County Democrats had the infrastructure to drive turnout—raising over a million dollars in some years, employing year-round staff, and building a winning operation. That momentum has stalled, and the consequences are clear.
Rebuilding that foundation is essential—not just for one election, but for long-term Democratic competitiveness in Indiana.
For Democrats to win statewide again, Indianapolis needs leadership with a clear vision, a strong organization and a commitment to party-building. That responsibility has historically fallen to Indianapolis’ mayor and the 7th District U.S. representative—two of Indiana’s most prominent Democrats.
For too long, leadership in Indianapolis has been transactional, focused on short-term wins instead of long-term power. But this is a moment of transition—a chance to build something stronger. With new leadership at the state and county level, we have an opportunity to rethink how we organize, engage voters and turn Democratic energy into real results.
The next generation of leaders must step up—not just to win races but to build an infrastructure that lasts. That means investing in year-round organizing, expanding outreach beyond traditional Democratic voters, and ensuring every Hoosier who shares our values has a reason to show up on Election Day.
The old way of doing things isn’t working. But we don’t have to accept the status quo. Indiana can be competitive again, but it won’t happen by accident. It will take leadership, investment and commitment to building a Democratic coalition that isn’t just strong in election years—but strong every day.
Hoosiers deserve a better Indiana—and the next generation of leaders must make it happen.•
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Hornedo is an attorney, national political strategist and the founder of Next Gen Hoosiers. Send comments to [email protected].
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