Indiana governor’s race grows more crowded with the addition of controversial former AG

INDIANAPOLIS—A seventh candidate for Indiana governor was announced this week, as former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill attempts to put his past groping controversy behind him in his quest to regain public office.

“Hoosiers are hungry for a proven conservative leader with the courage to stand up for the traditional values upon which our Republic was built,” Hill said in a press release.

Hill has accused four women of drunkenly groping them in 2018 and had his law license suspended in the lead-up to the 2020 Republican state primary, resulting in delegates selecting current AG Todd Rokita over Hill.

He has denied the accusations, publishing a statement back in 2018 that said, “The allegations against me, which continue to change, are vicious and false. At no time did I ever grab or touch anyone inappropriately?”

Two years later, after the suspension was handed down, a Hill press release said, “I accept with humility and respect the Indiana Supreme Court’s ruling of a 30-day suspension of my license with automatic reinstatement.”

Hill returned to the political scene last year, running in the primary to be the Republican nominee to fill the U.S. House of Representatives seat that was open after Rep. Jackie Walorskidied in a car crash in August 2022. Rudy Yakym won the primary and the general election.

Hill will continue to attempt a political comeback by joining the increasingly crowded field of candidates for governor.

“Our campaign will emphasize a positive vision for Indiana, restoring faith in our institutions, protecting our children, investing in our law enforcement, prioritizing the rebuilding of our economy and placing the needs of Hoosiers above the manipulation of Washington, D.C.,” Hill’s statement said.

During his time as attorney general, Hill criticized Marion County prosecutor Ryan Mears for saying he wouldn’t prosecute people for possessing an ounce or less of marijuana and testified in front of the Indiana General Assembly against a bill allowing cities to create needle exchange programs without approval from the state.

He also partnered with the faith-based organization Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition in an attempt to reduce crime. The coalition does peace walks to build relationships with the community and has members who work as liaisons to get information about crimes from community members to the police.

And in 2017, Hill wrote an opinion article for The Statehouse File criticizing NFL players kneeling, saying, “Rather than kneeling in silence, they should choose to stand as men of character and courage and tackle black-on-black violence.”

Hill joins three other Republicans, two Democrats, and a Libertarian in the race to succeed Gov. Eric Holcomb, who is term-limited from serving a third consecutive time.

• U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, the Republican, was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2018 after spending three years in the Indiana House of Representatives.

• Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, the Republican, went from being a state representative to state auditor to her current position, lieutenant governor under Holcomb.

• Eric Doden, Republican, has never held public office but was president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation under Gov. Mike Pence for two years.

• Jennifer McCormick, the Democrat, served as superintendent of public instruction under Holcomb but has since switched party allegiance.

• Bob Kern, the Democrat, is a perennial candidate who, since 2012, has appeared in primaries for the U.S. House, Indiana House, Indiana Senate and, most recently, Indianapolis mayor.

• Donald Rainwater, the Libertarian, is most known for his 2020 gubernatorial run in which he received 11.4% of the vote.