Party: Democrat
Hometown: New Castle
Occupation: Former Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction (2017-2021)
McCormick comes from an education background and was a Republican until flipping parties at the end of her term as state schools superintendent. But the Indiana GOP has considered her a Democrat since 2020, when she started endorsing a slew of Democratic candidates ― including opponents to House Speaker Todd Huston and Holcomb. She entered the race criticizing the state Republican supermajority’s “divisive politics,” particularly when it comes to schools, where debates have centered around LGBTQ issues and “parental rights.” She views these debates as a distraction from other “common sense” issues like ensuring quality public education and supporting rural communities. But she faces stiff odds: Indiana hasn’t had a Democratic governor in 20 years.
