A Democratic state senator isn’t seeking reelection, and Republicans see a chance to turn a district red.
State Sen. J.D. Ford, an Indianapolis Democrat, is running for the 5th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, leaving his state senate seat vacant in 2027.
Ford, who represents State Senate District 29, made history when he was elected in 2018 as the first openly gay member of the Indiana General Assembly.
The 29th district, which was mainly held by Republicans before Ford was elected, includes parts of Pike and Wayne townships and stretches north to portions of Carmel and Zionsville.
The race to fill the open Senate seat has caught the attention of two Republican governors from the state, who have each endorsed separate candidates in the race.
These are the candidates in the May 5 primary hoping to succeed Ford.
Meet the Republicans
Mike Delph represented Senate District 29 from 2005 until 2018, when he lost to Ford.
With Ford out of the picture, Delph is hoping for a comeback.
Delph, who lives in Carmel, is a self-described Christian conservative, anti-abortion Republican, and a supporter of President Donald Trump. He recently received an endorsement from Gov. Mike Braun.
“I’ve not sought out endorsements, but I’ve gotten endorsements,” said Delph, “but the big endorsement I’m looking for is the endorsement of the Republican Party voters. I think if I’m successful, I’ve got the expertise and the know-how to aggressively advocate in the legislature for all of my constituents.”
In his endorsement announcement, Braun said Delph will push for “aggressive property tax relief” and “make Indiana more affordable for hardworking taxpayers.”
Another former state senator is also hoping to return to public office — with support from former Indiana governor.
John Ruckelshaus, also a Carmel resident, represented District 30, which includes parts of the north side, from 2016 to 2020. He lost to Fady Qaddoura, an Indianapolis Democrat, in the 2020 election.
He has the backing of former Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, who said Ruckelshaus is “a genuine servant leader who always puts the public interest first.”
Reflecting on the 2026 legislative session, Ruckelshaus said state officials pursued growth and infrastructure without fully respecting local planning and affordability.
“My approach is shaped by a conservative, pro‑opportunity mindset — one that former Gov. Mitch Daniels has endorsed as practical and grounded in real‑world results for central Indiana,” he told Mirror Indy.
The third Republican in the race is Roni Ford, a former Pike Township School Board member and former community outreach staffer for U.S. Sen. Todd Young. Ford lives in Wayne Township.
She said her time working for the senator allowed her to establish connections with elected officials, neighborhood organizations and everyday constituents.
“I believe my background, my diversity in my relationships, makes me a better candidate,” Ford said. “I have the thought process and the background to understand what the public really wants, not what I think the public wants.”
As a supporter of marriage equality and abortion rights, she considers herself a moderate Republican.
Meet the Democrats
The Rev. David Greene is a pastor at Purpose of Life Ministries on the west side and president of the Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis, a community activist group made up of faith leaders.
If elected, he would focus on increasing access to child care and lowering the cost of living for Hoosiers.
“I believe the political challenges we’re looking at are moral issues, and those issues require that we no longer be silent,” Greene said.
Demetrice Hicks is president of the Pike Township Board of Trustees and a director of clinical operations at a mental health treatment facility.
He’s running for District 29 because he believes Indy residents are hurting.
“People cannot afford prescription drugs, health insurance, basic groceries,” Hicks said. “I don’t think there is enough intentionality in helping people in their everyday lives at the state level.”
Kristina Moorhead is a health policy expert who previously worked in the state’s Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning.
Her campaign is focused on affordability, good governance and fully funding public education.
She said Indiana Republicans have championed causes that are unpopular with a majority of Hoosier voters.
“Time and again, Republicans have advanced policies that conflict with the views of the people they were elected to serve,” Moorhead said. “If our government is not representing the people, then the people must have a direct path to act.”
Kevin Short has spent his career in social work, education and philanthropy.
He is passionate about improving roads, strengthening education and crime reduction, but he believes Senate Bill 285, the state’s ban on homeless encampments, is a step in the wrong direction.
“Instead of criminalizing homelessness, we should find ways to prevent it,” Short said.
The primary election is May 5, and the general election is Nov. 3.
How to vote in the Indiana primary
Marion County residents with a valid government-issued photo ID can vote early at the City-County Building from April 7 through May 5, and at one of nine early voting centers from April 25 through May 5.
On election day, which is May 5, residents can vote at one of the county’s 182 vote centers from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. Those still in line when the polls close at 6 p.m. should stay in line to cast their ballots.
The deadline to register to vote is April 6. Visit the state’s Voter Portal to check your registration status.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.
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