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Democrats took two of three state senate seats representing Marion County during Tuesday's midterm election.
Senate District 29
WINNER: J.D. Ford
Democratic incumbent J.D. Ford defeated Republican challenger Alexander Choi in a tight race to represent Indiana Senate District 29. The Associated Press called the race for Ford around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday with the Democrat collecting 51.5 percent of the vote.
The 29th District includes parts of Boone, Hamilton and Marion counties. Choi topped Ford in Boone and Hamilton counties, but Ford took advantage of a strong showing for Democrats in Marion County to pull ahead.
Ford took office in 2018. Before that he worked in the education and nonprofit sectors. Before the election, Ford told WFYI that a top legislative priority will be teen mental health and decreasing the suicide rate.
“Kids are taking their lives and we must be laser-focused on addressing this issue,” he said.
In a statement released Wednesday, Ford thanked Choi and his team for the race they ran and said he looked forward "to continuing to serve everyone in our community, not just those who voted for me."
“I am honored and humbled by the results of yesterday’s election. The people of Senate District 29 have entrusted me to represent them for another four years, and that is a responsibility which I do not take lightly," he said.
Choi's campaign website says he is a first-generation American and practicing anesthesiologist. He is the physician leader for community medicine anesthesia for Indiana University Health Physicians.
Senate District 31
WINNER: Kyle Walker
Incumbent Republican State Sen. Kyle Walker was elected for the first time, after his appointment to the seat in 2020 following State Sen. Jim Merritt’s retirement. Indiana Senate District 31 includes portions of Marion and Hamilton counties.
Walker is an executive vice president at MO Strategies. He said his priorities for the next legislative session include the economy, public safety and quality of life. In a written statement he thanked supporters.
“Tonight’s victory is further evidence that the voters of this district want commonsense leadership that produces results,” Walker said.
Walker’s Democratic opponent Jocelyn Vare currently serves on the Fishers City Council and is president and owner of an advertising agency.
Senate District 46
WINNER: Andrea Hunley
Democrat Andrea Hunley clearly won the new Indiana Senate 46 seat against Republican candidate Evan Shearin.
Hunley is a former public school teacher and principal. She had a strong support base and at a return party Tuesday night she said she’s ready to get to work.
“Representation matters so I think my first order of business will be to listen to the people I represent,” Hunley said.
Hunley said she was proud of Indiana Democrats.
“We put up a really strong ticket all across our state and I’m so proud of the quality of candidates,” Hunley said.
Hunley told WFYI before the election that the legislature should give more help to hardworking families.
“With less of a fight for financial freedom, our families can focus on education, new job opportunities, and their health and safety,” Hunley said.
Indiana District 46 State Senate was created last year, through the state’s redistricting process. State Senate District 46 includes most of south central Indianapolis. The race for the Democratic nomination in May brought out five candidates. Democrat Andrea Hunley won that election with more than 40 percent of the vote.
Hunley ran against Republican Evan Shearin who is a business consultant and served in the U.S. Navy.
Senate District 31
WINNER: Kyle Walker
Incumbent Republican State Sen. Kyle Walker was elected for the first time, after his appointment to the seat in 2020 following State Sen. Jim Merritt’s retirement. Indiana Senate District 31 includes portions of Marion and Hamilton counties.
Walker is an executive vice president at MO Strategies. He said his priorities for the next legislative session include the economy, public safety and quality of life. In a written statement he thanked supporters.
“Tonight’s victory is further evidence that the voters of this district want commonsense leadership that produces results,” Walker said.
Walker’s Democratic opponent Jocelyn Vare currently serves on the Fishers City Council and is president and owner of an advertising agency.
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