2026 Democratic Party Candidates
Beau Bayh, Secretary of State
Beau Bayh is a seventh-generation Hoosier who was raised to believe public service means actually serving the public — not your political party, and certainly not yourself.
For Beau, that meant joining the United States Marine Corps. He served as an Infantry Officer, where he rose to the rank of Captain and graduated from the Scout Sniper Unit Leader’s Course. His military service took him around the world, including to Europe in support of America’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. There, he served as part of Project Maven, a top secret intelligence program supporting critical missions within the Intelligence Community for United States and NATO operations. He also trained allied military forces in the jungles of South America. Beau was sworn in at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis.
Following his honorable discharge in 2023, Beau earned a law degree. While in law school, he worked for Cummins Engines and Barnes & Thornburg LLP, both in Indianapolis. Following graduation, he served as a Judicial Law Clerk in Bloomington for the Honorable David F. Hamilton on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. As our next Secretary of State, he’ll fight to protect Hoosier taxpayers, clean up corruption and insider dealing, and stand up for the rights of Hoosier voters.
Jessica Bailey, State Comptroller
Bailey, a native of northwest Indiana, served on the Portage Township School Board for six years before winning the 2018 race for county clerk. She was reelected in 2022 and was named clerk of the year by the Association of Indiana Counties in 2023 and Election Board member of the year in 2021. Her office also earned a national award for election administration from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission.
During her tenure as clerk, Bailey has moved Porter County from voting precincts to vote centers. She introduced VoteMobile, a mobile polling location that can also be used for voter registration drives and to transport equipment, and she worked to incorporate an app to alert voters to election day wait times and identify polling locations.
Bailey earned a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Purdue University Northwest and a masters of public administration and nonprofit management from Walden University.
Now she’s running for Indiana State Comptroller because Indiana’s money should serve Indiana communities. She’ll bring that same standard statewide: every dollar accounted for, every payment on time — a clearer Indiana, accountable to no one but Hoosiers.
Coumba Kebe, Treasurer of State
Coumba Kebe is a first-generation American, Indianapolis native, healthcare executive, entrepreneur, and public health professional running for Indiana State Treasurer. She graduated from Franklin Central High School and earned a degree in Community Health and Preventive Medicine from Indiana University Bloomington, followed by a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management. For nearly a decade, Coumba has worked at the intersection of healthcare, business operations, and public policy, managing complex operations and multi-million-dollar budgets while serving seniors, caregivers, and families across Indiana.
Coumba founded Scope Consulting, helping home care agencies strengthen their operations and better serve Indiana seniors. She has also been actively engaged in civic advocacy, launching a public advocacy platform to help Hoosiers better understand the policies and systems affecting their lives. Her professional and civic experience has given her a firsthand understanding of how financial and policy decisions impact families, communities, and local economies.
As State Treasurer, Coumba wants to bring a people-first approach to fiscal stewardship, focused on transparency and accountability, long-term financial planning, financial empowerment and accessibility, and strong communities and economic growth. She believes Hoosiers deserve financial leadership that is responsible, understandable, and focused not only on the next budget cycle, but on building a stronger and more financially secure Indiana for the future.
Brad Meyer, Ninth District United States Congress
Brad Meyer is a proud seventh-generation Hoosier, born and raised in Brownsburg. He and his wife attended Purdue together and built their lives through hard work, shared sacrifice, and a commitment to family. Brad spent 25 years in Indiana manufacturing, working in electronics, machining, and other skilled trades before moving into management. His experience taught him firsthand the challenges facing working families and the importance of treating workers as partners in success.
In 2010, Brad moved to Bloomington with his family to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane. He later became a Navy civilian engineer, spending nine years in electromagnetic warfare helping protect American sailors from missile threats. His service included swearing an oath to defend the Constitution—an experience that shaped his commitment to public service and his belief in government that serves the people and brings communities together.
Today, Brad is running for Congress to fight for Indiana’s future. He believes every Hoosier deserves a fair opportunity, decent wages, affordable health care, and a government that respects the Constitution. Brad is committed to restoring stability, rebuilding trust, and bringing Hoosiers together around the common purpose that makes Indiana strong.
Nick Marshall, State Senate, District 45
Born to a mother battling drug and alcohol addiction, Nick grew up a ward of the state. Raised by two sets of foster parents; a veteran, a teacher, a farmer and a caregiver; he was able to emerge from that system as a high school and University of Louisville (UofL) graduate. Now, Nick works with organizations across Kentuckiana to advocate for children in foster care, improve child literacy rates, and provide guidance to teenagers working to graduate or obtain their GEDs.
Nick’s campaign for State Senate is fueled by his passion for these kids and his own. He and his wife Melonie met at UofL and have two kids named Sebastian and Evelyn. When he’s not coaching their soccer games or changing diapers, he’s worried about their futures. He knows what it means for a teenager to need just one call or advocate to help graduate with their diploma. He knows what it means to have a good home, and how devastating it can be when you don’t.
Nick believes strong families are the foundation of any community. we need leaders in Indianapolis like Nick dedicated to those families everyday, not just when it pays off.
Ethan Sweetland- May, State Senate, District 47
Ethan Sweetland-May is a longtime Southern Indiana resident and community servant who spent 11 years working as a garbage man, showing up rain or shine to serve communities from Mauckport to Salem and Corydon to New Albany. His work taught him the value of hard work, dignity, and showing up for your neighbors. Today, Ethan is stepping forward to bring that same commitment to public service as a candidate for State Senate.
Ethan believes every Hoosier deserves the freedom to make personal decisions, earn a living wage, access affordable healthcare, feel safe and respected in their community, and have an equal voice in our democracy. He believes government should listen to the people it serves rather than allowing politicians and special interests to make decisions behind closed doors.
Ethan is running to bring people together, strengthen Southern Indiana communities, and fight for a future where freedom, fairness, and opportunity are real for everyone. He believes progress comes when ordinary people show up, speak out, and demand better—and he is ready to be their voice in the State Senate.
Sarah Blessing, State Representative, District 70
Sarah Blessing is the Democratic candidate for State House District 70, representing portions of Clark, Floyd, Harrison, and Washington Counties. An educator with 18 years of experience as a fifth-grade teacher at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in New Albany, she holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Indiana University and a master’s degree in education from Indiana Wesleyan University. Sarah lives in Palmyra with her husband, Chris Blessing, and their three children, Micah, Asher, and Adaline.
Active in her community, Sarah volunteers with the Town of Palmyra and serves on the leadership team of the Harrison County Democratic Party. She has worked to increase participation in the Harrison County Democrats and build community engagement through social media and Project Next Media, a media company she co-founded with Dr. Tim Peck. Project Next was created to highlight local stories and bring communities together, with its shows reaching more than 2 million viewers.
Sarah says she is running because she is deeply concerned about the future of the state where she has lived her entire life. She wants to advocate for Hoosiers and focus on issues including protecting public schools, reducing barriers facing local businesses, and supporting people experiencing homelessness and those struggling economically. Her campaign is grounded in the belief that the government should listen to the people it serves and that Indiana needs leaders who will stand up for all Hoosiers.
Wendy Dant Chesser, State Representative, District 71
Wendy Dant Chesser is the Democratic candidate for State House of Representatives in State House District 71 representing portions of Clark and Floyd County.
Raised in Jeffersonville and a graduate of Jeffersonville High and Indiana University Southeast, Dant Chesser joined the O'Bannon/Kernan administration in 1997. She served in various roles before becoming the Executive Director of the Indiana Rural Development Council. Following her service, she continued in opportunities in Michigan before returning to Jeffersonville in 2012 to become President and CEO of One Southern Indiana. In this role, she worked with community partners to help create 10,000 new jobs in Southern Indiana with a focus on higher-paying opportunities for Southern Indiana workers.
Dant Chesser now works for an economic development partner in Clark County and has served on several boards including the YMCA of Greater Louisville Board, Ivy Tech-Sellersburg Board, the Louisville Zoo Foundation, and the Kentucky Derby Festival. She currently lives in Jeffersonville with her 16-year-old daughter and her partner Eric.
Michele (Shelly) Henry, State Representative, District 72
Michele Henry, a local civil rights lawyer who raised her family in Georgetown, Indiana, is our Democratic candidate for State House District 72 representing portions of New Albany, Georgetown, Franklin Twp, and parts of Lafayette Twp. Michele has practiced law since 2002, and represents victims of discrimination and labor unions seeking fair and equitable working conditions for their members.
Michele is well respected among her peers, having been selected as a Best Lawyer in Kentucky annually since 2015 and as a Super Lawyer annually since 2016 in the plaintiff employment practice area.
While not practicing law, Michele is a committed community servant, serving on the Board of Directors for the Waterfront Botanical Gardens and Women Lawyers Association. She’s also an active volunteer with Access Justice, providing free, quality legal help to all of our neighbors across Kentuckiana.
Michele lives in Georgetown with her husband, Gordon Henry, and whichever foster or senior care dog most recently needed a loving home. She’s a triathlete and completed the 140.7 mile Ironman triathlon in 2015. Michele has two children, Sarah and Sean Henry, who are both proud graduates of Floyd Central High School.
Christina Knavely, Judge - Floyd County Superior Court 3
Christina Knavely is our candidate for Floyd County Superior Court 3. A Southern Indiana native and graduate of Jeffersonville High School, Christina Knavely earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Louisville and her law degree from Valparaiso University. During law school, she studied international humanitarian law abroad and gained experience through internships, judicial clerkships and pro bono legal work.
Christina began her legal career with the Marion County Public Defender’s Office, where she spent four and a half years handling criminal cases and supervising the Level 6 felony division. She later returned to Southern Indiana and currently serves as an attorney with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office.
Christina lives in Southern Indiana with her husband, Jerid, and their three children. She is a candidate for Floyd Superior Court 3, emphasizing fairness, civility, compassion and thoughtful decision-making.
Marcey Wisman, Clerk of the Circuit Court
Marcey Wisman brings a diverse background in public service, financial management, small business ownership and community leadership to her candidacy for Floyd County Clerk. Having served eight years as New Albany City Clerk, Marcey has firsthand experience in local government administration, public records management, legislative procedures and public communication. Her professional background also includes bookkeeping, payroll, tax preparation, budget oversight and financial reporting.
As co-owner of Corrao Shoes & Repair, owner of SondMar Leather Designs and a licensed Realtor serving Southern Indiana, Marcey has extensive experience in business operations and customer service.
Beyond her professional career, Marcey has maintained a longstanding commitment to community involvement. She has served as vice president of Saint Mary’s Board of Education, a board member of the New Albany First Independent Business Alliance and a Cub Scout leader. She also founded and organized IndieFest, a downtown New Albany celebration of local businesses, artists and musicians.
Sharon Young, Floyd County Auditor
Sharon Young brings a diverse background in business, management, education and health care to her candidacy for Floyd County Auditor. A resident of Indiana for the past 14 years, Sharon spent 15 years working in retail before moving into management and later serving as a special needs paraeducator. She currently works at Baptist Health Floyd.
Sharon holds an associate degree in liberal arts from Eastern Gateway, an undergraduate degree in animal science from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Phoenix. She is currently completing her master's degree in continuing education at the University of Phoenix.
A proud mother to her son, Jaime, Sharon is running for Floyd County Auditor to make a difference in her community and restore fiscal responsibility to county government. She recognizes the critical services the Auditor's Office provides to residents and county departments and is committed to learning the responsibilities of the office, promoting accountability and serving the people of Floyd County.
Ellen Morrison Kelley, Floyd County Commissioner, District #1
A graduate of Floyd Central High School and Indiana University, Kelley served the community for over 30 years as a licensed clinical social working with LifeSpring, Inc. supporting mental health and primary care services in southern Indiana.
Concerned over the dysfunction and infighting of local Floyd County officials, Kelley is running because of her deep love of the community and the opportunities present before county government. Her focus is on restoring integrity and fiscal accountability, improving EMS services, and making needed improvements to facilities, infrastructure and other assets.
Her involvement in the community includes volunteer positions such as the manager of the LifeSpring bookstore and membership in the Floyd County Democratic Women’s Caucus.
Tony Toran, Floyd County Council, District #1
Tony Toran is our Democratic Candidate for County Council District #1. With academic preparation at NAHS, IUS and Simmons Bible College, he is currently Deputy Executive Director of the New Albany Housing Authority and is Pastor of Galatian Missionary Baptist Church. He has served as County Councilman in District 1 since 2021. As a lifelong resident of Floyd County, Tony is excited about this area of public service and has decided to seek a full term as County Councilman.
Past employment includes being the Director of Floyd County Child Support Division, Investigator Floyd County Prosecutor’s Office, Director of Floyd County Solid Waste Management, and Director of City Operations for the City of New Albany.
Tony has balanced these full-time positions with community service through his leadership as President of the New Albany Police Merit Board, member of the Board of Directors of Lifespan Resources, Floyd County 4-H Cooperative and Southern Indiana Works.
Calle Janson, Floyd County Council, District #2
Calle Janson is a social worker and candidate for Floyd County Council. Through her work, she has firsthand experience helping individuals and families navigate challenges involving health care, education, addiction and access to essential services.
Calle's priorities include strengthening public health and safety, promoting sustainable development, maintaining county infrastructure and encouraging businesses to provide living wages. She also supports fiscal responsibility, transparent government and budgeting practices that reflect the needs of the community.
Drawing on her professional experience, Calle is committed to bringing a people-focused perspective to county government, ensuring that residents' voices are heard and that public resources are managed responsibly.
David Brewer, New Albany Township Trustee
David Brewer has served as New Albany Township Trustee since 2019. Previously, he spent approximately 10 years as New Albany Building Commissioner and eight years as a self-employed contractor.
A 1991 New Albany High School graduate, David has a longstanding involvement in local basketball, including coaching at New Albany High School and Scribner Middle School.
David and his wife, Desire, have three children: Gracie, Ava and Braden. He is passionate about historic preservation, community service and helping individuals and families in crisis. As trustee, he focuses on supporting vulnerable residents and improving the quality of life throughout New Albany Township.
Deana Bryant, New Albany Township Board Member
Deana Bryant is a retired professional and candidate for the New Albany Township Board. She graduated from Plainfield High School in Plainfield, Indiana, and earned a Bachelor of Science from Ball State University in Muncie. During her career, she held various administrative assistant and clerical positions, building experience in organization, administration, and day-to-day operations.
Deana has been actively involved in her community through St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in New Albany, where she has volunteered with Shepherd’s Kitchen. She is also a member of the Floyd County Democratic Women’s Caucus and the League of Women Voters of Southern Indiana. Her community involvement reflects her commitment to service and civic participation.
As a candidate for the New Albany Township Board, Deana brings her administrative experience, community involvement, and commitment to civic engagement to local government. She hopes to use her experience and perspective to help serve the residents of New Albany Township and contribute to a strong, responsive local community.
Rick Cochran, New Albany Township Board Member
Cochran, a New Albany native, and presently serving as President of the New Albany Township Board, has been involved in many advisory positions throughout the community. As first deputy for the Floyd County Surveyor’s office, he served on the Economic Development Board. He was an appointee to the Governor’s local task team to, “stop the brain drain” by promoting higher education for advanced manufacturing, nursing employment gaps, as well as logistics. Cochran also sat on the advisory board for Purdue University Technical Assistant Program in West Lafayette and New Albany. Cochran also served on One Southern Indiana, Environmental Health Safety roundtable.
Cochran is a precinct committeeman in New Albany, Indiana State, Delegate At Large candidate for Floyd County, past President of the Floyd County Democrats Men’s Club and is a member of Holy Family Parish. He is a graduate of New Albany High School, received a B.S. degree from Ball State University and completed postgraduate studies at Purdue University Programs New Albany.
Cochran is a semi-retired plant engineer working for Bruce Fox Inc., for 36 years. He is married to Mary Beth Cochran and has four daughters, Meagan Donald (Scott), Molly McDonald (JJ), Maria Harritt (Hunter) and Melinda Lorah (Matt). The family has also been blessed with grandchildren.
Jonathan Eve, New Albany Township Board Member
Johnathan Eve is a Corydon Central High School graduate who studied horticulture at Prosser School of Technology and Vincennes University. He currently works with Laborers Local 576 and previously worked at Churchill Downs as an infield turfgrass specialist and with Dwyer Designscapes as a landscape specialist. His professional background has given him experience in hands-on work, operations, and serving the community.
Johnathan has been active in community service through Habitat for Humanity of Harrison County, Democratic Monday Meals for those experiencing homelessness, Uplift, and local efforts supporting Exit Zero and the White Flag Shelter. He is a member of Oak Grove Church and is committed to serving people directly and meeting community needs at the local level.
Johnathan is running for the New Albany Township Advisory Board because he believes local government should be accessible, visible, and focused on the people it serves. He wants to increase awareness of the Township Board and its role in the community while bringing a hands-on, compassionate approach to public service. If elected, he plans to donate his approximately $750 monthly salary to a different local nonprofit organization each month. His guiding principle is simple: he wants to serve not just the “little man,” but every member of the community.
Ann Heitkemper, Franklin Township Board Member
Ann Keitkemper has devoted much of her life to caring for not only the people of Floyd County, but also the land. She has lived in Floyd County for 42 years and in Franklin Township for 27 years. Now retired, Ann was employed by the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School System for 39 years, as a special needs school bus driver. This position required not only excellent driving skills but just as important, the ability to care for the unique needs of the students who rode her bus to and from school daily.
Along with caring for the children of Floyd County, Ann has cared for the land. The Soil and Water Conservation District awarded Ann and her husband Guy Heitkemper the Floyd County Conservation Farmers of the Year designation in the early 1990s. Working with the University of Kentucky, they had the first no-till tobacco in Indiana. The Hietkempers also received awards from the Indiana Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau and were highlighted on national TV in the early 2000s. These awards illustrate her family’s long-term care for conservation and the land.
Ann is active in the community as well. She is a member of the Floyd County Farm Bureau, the Franklin County Athletic Club, Lanesville Heritage, and St. Mary’s Church of Lanesville.
Ann is extremely interested in the welfare of our community. As a member of the Franklin Township Advisory Board Ann’s target will be the wise use of tax dollars.
Donna Hublar, Franklin Township Board Member
Donna Hublar brings professional experience in business and operations management to her candidacy for Franklin Township Board. A graduate of Floyd Central High School, she earned a degree in business from Indiana University Southeast and currently serves as an operations manager at TMP Worldwide.
Donna and her husband, Robert, have two sons and strong ties to the local community. She is running for Township Board to serve her neighbors and support quality fire protection, well-maintained cemeteries and emergency assistance for residents in need.
In her free time, Donna enjoys spending time with her family and participating in community traditions such as Lanesville Heritage Weekend.
Melissa Fry, Georgetown Township Board Member
The Township Board is a place where Dr. Melissa Fry can put her knowledge, skills, and compassion to work. She graduated from Homewood-Flossmoor High School, Flossmoor, IL. She received a B.A. in Sociology from Grinnell College, a M. A. in Sociology from the University of Memphis and a PH.D in Sociology from the University of Arizona. A tenured associate professor of sociology, she has been the Director of the Applied Research and Education Center at IUS since 2011. IUS recently appointed her as Director of Service Learning and Community Engagement.
She currently serves on the St. Elizabeth Catholic Charities Advisory Council, the Community Foundation Board of Directors, the Operating Board for Align Southern Indiana, White Flag Committee and Founding Member of the Board for the Homeless Coalition of Southern Indiana, and volunteers at the White Flag Shelter.
Melissa has spent time listening to people throughout the region talk about what matters to them and their hopes for their communities. She participated in discussions determining Floyd County’s use of the American Rescue Plan funds and to establish Align Southern Indiana, addressing issues common to Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, and Washington counties.
As a parent moving here from a rural community, Melissa chose Georgetown for the schools and the ability to retain the advantages of quiet small-town life. She is married to Mark Konty and has two college-age sons.
In her community-based work, Melissa consistently looks for ways to effectively and responsibly respond to the challenges that individuals and communities face.
Billy Haller, Georgetown Township Board Member
Billy Haller, currently a member of the Georgetown Town Council, served out country for three years as a member of the U.S. Air Force after graduating from New Albany High School in 1965 and attending Sullivan Junior College for two years. He has continued to serve in various capacities in the community of Georgetown where he has lived for 51 years. Besides his current role on the Town Council, Billy has been a member of Georgetown Lions, Optimist Club, Main Street and Destination Georgetown.
Billy was employed at General Electric for 33 years and is now retired. In the 1980s and 1990s he enjoyed playing softball locally and was well rewarded for his efforts. His team won the Industrial National Softball Tournament in 1980 and he was inducted into the Louisville Softball Hall of Fame in 1995. He became an Honorary Kentucky Colonel in 1980.
Billy and his wife Kathy have two sons.
When asked about his goals and accomplishments, Billy responded, “This is my first 4-years on the council. I feel with the new basketball court, new retaining walls and new LED lighting at the park, Town Hall parking lot improvements, sidewalks to Canal Lane and with a lot of new businesses opening in our town that we have accomplished a lot in the last few years. I feel as if I am definitely the person you want to continue the current and future upgrades in our town.”
Timothy Harbison, Georgetown Township Board Member
A life-long resident of Floyd County, Tim attended Pine View Elementary, Scribner Middle School, and New Albany High School prior to graduating from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in education.
After his graduation, Harbison returned to Floyd County and began a 43-year career as a public education teacher and a coach. He is now retired and ready to serve his neighbors as a member of the Georgetown Township Board.
Concerned about ethical conflicts and mismanagement, Harbison is a strong supporter of public transparency, supports fire-based EMS in Floyd County, and has advocated for additional road and infrastructure funding to support Floyd County’s growth.
Harbison and his wife, Michelle Quinn Harbison, have two adult children, Marah Harbison Yankey and Samuel Harbison. They also have a grandson and a granddaughter.
Janine Lickliter, Greenville Township Board Member
Janine Lickliter brings 25 years of professional experience in distribution management to her candidacy for Greenville Township Board. She serves as Associate Director of Distribution for Hanna Andersson and holds a degree in organizational leadership from Purdue University.
Janine moved to Southern Indiana in 2008 and chose to make the community her home. She and her husband of seven years, Jared, are raising their two young daughters, Liddie and Nina.
With a strong personal investment in the community where she is raising her family, Janine is running for Township Board to give back and serve her neighbors. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, golfing and spending time with her family.
Betty Batliner, Lafayette Township Board Member
Betty Batliner is seeking her second term as a member of the Lafayette Township Advisory Board. She is employed as a bus driver for the New Albany Floyd County Schools.
Betty is an active member of the community as illustrated by her commitment to several local and state organizations. She serves as a Floyd County Democrat precinct committee person and is a member of the Floyd County Women’s Democratic Caucus. As President of the NAFC Bus Drivers Association, Betty is trusted and appreciated by colleagues.
At the state level Betty serves on the ISTA (Indiana State Teachers Association) Board of Directors, is secretary of the ISTA ESP Council providing leadership for education support professionals. She is a member of the NAFCS ESP of the Year Committee and is also Secretary of the South Central LPAC.
Betty is a member St. Mary of the Knobs Church where she takes an active part serving as the Eucharistic Minister and in the Funeral Ministry there.
Her family includes husband, David, and daughters: Sara Batliner; Melissa Pierson (Brad), Emily Bickers (Johnathan) and four grandchildren.
Donald Kochert, Lafayette Township Board Member
Donald Kochert is a retired teacher and Democratic candidate for Lafayette Township Board in Floyd County. His years in education reflect a longstanding commitment to serving students, families and the community.
Donald and his wife, Suzie, share strong ties to the Floyd Knobs community. He brings his experience in education and public service to his candidacy, with a focus on responsible local government, accountability and service to Lafayette Township residents.
Mandy Perigo, Georgetown Town Clerk-Treasurer
Mandy Perigo brings experience in municipal government, financial services and administration to her candidacy for Georgetown Clerk-Treasurer.
A former deputy clerk-treasurer for the Town of Georgetown, Mandy has firsthand experience in municipal financial operations. Her professional background also includes serving as a branch office administrator in the financial services industry, with experience in budgeting, administration, team building and customer service.
A graduate of Carbondale High School, Mandy brings a combination of public-sector and private-sector experience to her candidacy, with a focus on responsible financial management, accountability and service to the Georgetown community.