Voters in Indiana Senate District 31 will choose between two candidates this November to represent them in the Indiana Senate. The district includes Fishers, the Geist reservoir area, and a portion of Northeast Marion County.
Republican incumbent Kyle Walker will not be seeking reelection.
Now in the race for that seat — Democrat Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal is running against Republican Juanita Albright, a member of the Board of Trustees for Hamilton Southeastern Schools.
Both campaigns say some of their top priorities include public safety, affordability, healthcare and education.
There are 50 members of the Indiana Senate. Their job is to work alongside the governor and the Indiana House of Representatives to create laws and set the state budget. They serve four-year terms, and in Indiana there is no limit on the number of terms a senator can serve.
WFYI opened an ongoing voter survey in May, and the most common voting issues were data center policy, affordability, and feeling disempowered.
WFYI contacted each campaign and sent a survey based on voter questions — it asked candidates for their top priorities and their positions on civic health, data centers and affordability. For candidates who did not respond, information was gathered from websites and social media for a "Top priorities" note. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Juanita Albright
Personal information provided by candidate.
Party: Republican
Website: albrightforindiana.com
Age: 58
Occupation: Physician; Hamilton Southeastern Schools Board of Trustees member
Residence: Fishers
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Indiana Business for Responsive Government
- James Kim / Purucker
- Hoosiers for Quality Education Political Action Committee
- Indiana Medical PAC
- Ark Business Inv LLC
Albright accepted WFYI's invitation to take a survey. WFYI fact checked statements about publicly available data.
If elected, what are your top policy priorities?
healthcare affordability, property taxes and education
Many voters told us they struggle to afford food, housing and healthcare. If elected, how would you help them address those needs?
We have a responsibility to make sure people who are struggling have a path towards stability and self sufficiency. This means addressing the rising costs families face every day, supporting efforts that increase the supply of affordable housing, and working with community organizations that effectively help families in need. As a physician, I know how important access to affordable healthcare is. I would focus on lowering healthcare costs, improving access to primary care and making sure taxpayer-funded programs are effective and focused on the people who truly need them.
Many voters told us they don't think today's politicians listen to their constituents. Why do you think that is, and how would you address the concern?
Too often politicians are focused on rhetoric and not conversation. As a physician I have spent my career listening and helping patients solve their problems which will translate well into listening to constituents.
What is your position on data center development in Indiana?
Data centers can bring real economic benefits including investment, jobs and a stronger tax base, but they need to be developed responsibly. Local communities should have a meaningful voice in the process, and any development agreement should protect existing taxpayers from being burdened with infrastructure costs.
Kerry Forestal
Personal information provided by candidate.
Party: Democrat
Website: kerryforestal.com
Age: 70
Occupation: Sheriff, Marion County Sheriff's Office
Residence: Indianapolis
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Kerry Forestal Campaign
- Kelvis Williams Campaign
- Larry Logsdon
- Harris & Ford LLC
- Les Sebring
Forestal accepted WFYI's invitation to take a survey. WFYI fact checked statements about publicly available data.
If elected, what are your top policy priorities?
Demand Safe and fully funded schools
Reduce the high costs of medical care for all Hoosiers
Enforce the laws for repeat violent and sexual offenders
Many voters told us they struggle to afford food, housing and healthcare. If elected, how would you help them address those needs?
Maintain a safe food supply chain, while reducing cost
Provide tax incentives for medical personnel to reestablish in medical dessets in Indiana reducing overall cost increasing pediatric and maternal healthcare
Many voters told us they don't think today's politicians listen to their constituents. Why do you think that is, and how would you address the concern?
I think the voters right. Too many people in elected positions don't listen, I will. We must choose together to work together, 70% of the people in the middle want their government to succeed and not make promises that don't come to fruition. The extremes on either side of the spectrum don't bring us results. They just bring us speeches.
What is your position on data center development in Indiana?
Local Control is most important. The State though does need to have the overarching concern of the costs, the natural resources and the need for the State to continue to advance technologically.
