AIP 09272026 INDIANAPOLIS — The race for Indiana’s 29th State Senate district has emerged as a focal point for the upcoming elections as candidates compete for an open seat in a key swing district. The vacancy follows State Senator J.D. Ford’s decision to challenge U.S. Representative Vi ctoria Spartz for her seat in Congress. The 29th District stretches from Carmel to Zionsville and down the west side of Indianapolis. Both candidates in the race have prior experience in state government: Republican John Ruckelhaus, a former state senator, and Democrat Christina Moorhead, a former deputy state Medicaid director. John Ruckelhaus: A focus on common ground Ruckelhaus said his decision to return to the Senate stems from a desire to reduce political polarization. He described himself as a “Mitch Daniels type Republican” who prioritizes results over divisiveness. “I think things have deteriorated in the political world that we’re in right now,” Ruckelhaus said. “It’s so polarized across all spectrums, and I’m tired of that.” On the issue of affordability, Ruckelhaus proposed a bipartisan plan to eliminate the 7% sales tax on electric utility rates. He estimated this change would return approximately $21 per month to the average household in the district. He also pledged to address property taxes by focusing on the assessment process. Regarding childcare, Ruckelhaus suggested the state provide tax incentives for both families and businesses. As a small business owner, he argued that childcare is a critical component of the workforce. He also expressed opposition to changing voting maps between census cycles, noting that the 29th District is “overwhelmingly opposed” to mid-cycle redistricting. Ruckelhaus also addressed Medicaid and road funding. He argued against tolling in Marion County and called for a “human element” in Medicaid discussions, noting that over 1 million Hoosiers live with physical or mental disabilities. “This is much more than just dollars and cents on a piece of paper,” Ruckelhaus said. “These are personal stories.” Christina Moorhead: Healthcare and infrastructure Moorhead, a mother of three and a 20-year veteran of healthcare policy, said her candidacy is driven by concerns for the future of Indiana’s children. “I’ve been working on state laws in Indiana and about 25 other states across the nation for the past 20 years,” Moorhead said. “So really concerned about what’s happening in Indiana for them and what their future looks like.” Moorhead’s affordability platform includes tying property tax increases to inflation rather than property valuations. She also supports the repeal of the utility sales tax and advocates for expanding childcare vouchers to families with higher income levels. Sharing her personal experience, Moorhead noted that daycare for one child currently costs her over $500 a week. She argued that the state must rebuild its childcare infrastructure to help employers find workers and help children succeed in early learning. On infrastructure, Moorhead expressed concern over the long-term viability of the gas tax and the condition of roads in Marion County. She said she wants to work toward “more fair road funding” for urban areas that currently receive less support than rural counties with fewer lanes. Regarding Medicaid, Moorhead criticized recent cuts to services for unpaid family caregivers and raised concerns about the potential impact of new work requirements set to happen in 2027. Data centers and local control Both candidates agreed that the state needs new rules for data centers. Ruckelhaus proposed a state statute requiring closed-loop water systems and ensuring that ratepayers do not bear the cost of grid upgrades. He also argued against local economic incentives for large corporations. Moorhead advocated for a state-mandated public input process to ensure residents have a voice before data centers are built in their communities. She suggested that the state create a framework for “community benefit plans” that could require data centers to provide specific wages or environmental protections. Political analysts break down local races The discussion also featured insights from Republican Lacey Berkshire and Democrat Brad Boswell regarding other high-stakes races. In the Marion County prosecutor’s race between incumbent Ryan Mears and challenger Philip Faust, the panel debated whether the city has become safer. Berkshire argued that Mears has focused more on his political career than on managing the prosecutor’s office, while Boswell defended Mears’ ability to connect with voters on safety issues. The Secretary of State race also features a crowded field, including Democrat Beau Bayh, Republican Diego Morales, Libertarian Jeff Maurer and Independent Greg Ballard. Boswell suggested that Ballard, a former Republican mayor, could draw moderate voters away from the GOP, while Berkshire noted that Indiana remains a “predominantly Republican state.” On the national stage, the analysts debated the reliability of polling amid rising mortgage rates and economic concerns. Berkshire expressed skepticism about predictions of a “blue wave,” noting that national polls have been historically inaccurate since 2016. ...read more read less