V. Roni Ford

Candidate Q&A

What was the most important issue this legislative session?

It would be irresponsible of me not to say that the most important issue actually happened in the special session called at the end of last year.

It drew national attention and, frankly, created a lot of concern among Hoosiers who are already dealing with real, everyday issues like rising costs. When families are focused on groceries, gas, and housing, they don’t have much patience for political maneuvering that feels disconnected from their lives.

I believe leadership means listening when people speak up. In this case, many Hoosiers made it clear they did not support eliminating congressional districts. Ultimately, members of the legislature responded to that concern, and I would have taken the same approach.

For me, public service is not about being a rubber stamp for any party. It’s about using good judgment, applying common sense, and representing the people who elected you.

What is your position on data centers in Indianapolis?

I support innovation and the economic opportunities data centers can bring, including jobs and tax revenue. But growth should never come at the expense of the communities we serve.

We need a balanced and transparent approach. That means engaging with neighborhoods early, protecting environmental standards, and being mindful of the strain on our energy grid and utility costs.

We’ve seen similar debates before with large-scale development. Some projects ultimately bring real benefits, but only when they are done responsibly and with community input.

Technology is here to stay, and Indiana should absolutely be part of that future. But we must make sure that growth improves our quality of life, not disrupt it.

What policies would you support to address the rising cost of living and support small businesses?

Hoosier families are feeling the pressure right now at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and in their monthly bills.

My approach is simple, be disciplined but also be practical and compassionate. Every policy we consider should answer one question, does this help a working family or a small business?

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges. I would support targeted tax relief and a serious effort to cut unnecessary red tape, so that business owners can focus on growing and creating jobs.

At the same time, we need to address the biggest cost drivers that families are facing, which are housing and utility costs. In my opinion stabilizing those areas would go a long way toward giving families breathing room.

Indiana has done a good job attracting industries like biotech, and that momentum should continue. But we need to make sure that growth translates into real, everyday benefits for the people who live and work here.

What are your views on immigration, public safety, and fairness?

Public safety and the rule of law matter. Those are foundational, and they should always be taken seriously.

At the same time, we are a country built on laws and due process. Both can and must exist together.

I fully support the legal immigration process and believe it should be respected. I’ve had the opportunity to see firsthand how meaningful that process is for families who go through it the right way.

I also believe Indiana has benefited from individuals and families who come here, work hard, contribute to the economy, and become part of our communities.

At the state level, our role is to support policies that keep people safe while ensuring fairness and constitutional protections. That means working with federal and local partners, enforcing laws responsibly, and recognizing that strong communities are built on both accountability and opportunity.

What is your position on education and school choice?

I believe every child deserves a fair shot at success, regardless of their ZIP code.

I support a “both and” approach to education. That means strong public schools, high quality charter options, and responsible private school opportunities. Parents should have a voice in their child’s education, but with that comes accountability.

If schools receive public funding, there should be clear expectations around transparency and performance. Families deserve to know how schools are doing, whether it’s test scores, student teacher ratios, or overall outcomes.

I also support the idea of a more consistent, easy to understand system that allows parents to compare school performance across the board.

At the end of the day, this isn’t about one system winning over another. It’s about making sure every child in Indiana has access to a quality education that prepares them for their future.