top of page
INDIANA IS FIELDING A DYNAMIC SLATE OF DEMOCRATIC WOMEN CANDIDATES FOR STATE OFFICE!
2022 CANDIDATES
Check back frequently to see new candidates as they join our network.
Jen Bass-Patino - House District 25
Jen believes that Hoosiers have more in common than the differences we are bombarded with in the news and social media. We all want a safe and healthy environment in which to live, work, and raise families. We all want to know that our students are well educated and ready to enter the workforce with skills that will take them into the future. We all want to know that we have employment opportunities to support ourselves and our families.
Jen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Illinois and worked in the Illinois State Police Crime Lab for five years supporting multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. She has worked in the medical and healthcare field as a researcher in infectious diseases, eventually working in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, focusing on rare diseases and oncology. Jen spent the past decade running global clinical trials, and now manages Quality Assurance, ensuring that clinical trials are run ethically and comply with all regulatory standards and requirements.
Jen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Illinois and worked in the Illinois State Police Crime Lab for five years supporting multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. She has worked in the medical and healthcare field as a researcher in infectious diseases, eventually working in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry, focusing on rare diseases and oncology. Jen spent the past decade running global clinical trials, and now manages Quality Assurance, ensuring that clinical trials are run ethically and comply with all regulatory standards and requirements.
Heidi Beidinger -
House District 5
Professor at the University of Notre Dame, focusing on public health and policy; President of the St. Joseph County Board of Health with deep roots in the House District 5, where she has conducted health and policy research for nearly a decade. Learn more at www.HeidiforIndiana.com
Katie Forte -
Senate District 47
I believe we solve problems by listening and working together. It’s time for us to get back to commonsense decision making that respects the traditions, community, and hard work of Southern Indiana families. Learn more at ForteforSouthernIndiana.org
Mindy Fountain -
Senate District 11
Proud Hoosier, servant leader, educator, and mom
Melinda Fountain is running for State Senate to bring a new perspective to the statehouse. Focused on our economy, education, and environment — Mindy will champion attracting highly skilled, well paying jobs, supporting our teachers to help our students maximize their potential, and protecting our environment for all Hoosiers.
Melinda Fountain is running for State Senate to bring a new perspective to the statehouse. Focused on our economy, education, and environment — Mindy will champion attracting highly skilled, well paying jobs, supporting our teachers to help our students maximize their potential, and protecting our environment for all Hoosiers.
Penny Githens -
House District 62
Penny is a Monroe County Commissioner, where her focus has been on homelessness, health, and issues surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and Math Education from Purdue and a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology from IU. “I approach tasks with a sense of collaboration, hard work, energy and persistence." Learn more at www.PennyforIndiana.com
Donna Griffin -
House District 88
Donna is an adjunct professor at Butler University, a substitute teacher in Hancock County and an independent author and media creator. "Hoosiers in HD 88 deserve a representative who shares their day-to-day concerns, for safe communities and managed commercial development where essential workers, in healthcare, public safety, and education know they are respected and supported." Learn more at www.GriffinforIndiana.com
Tammi Ingalls -
House District 50
Tammari is a 7th generation Hoosier, a writer, mental health advocate, small farmer, steel worker, and a scientist. “We need leaders in Indianapolis that believe in science and believe in fully funded public education!” Learn more at www.https://tlingalls.medium.com/
Joellyn (Joey) Mayer -
House District 88
Joellyn (Joey) Mayer is a life-long Hoosier, a mother, a wife, a small-business owner, a community organizer, a rescue dog mom and proud Democrat. "ALL Hoosier children, parents AND teachers, no matter their race, place or identity, deserve the chance to feel seen, heard and valued." Learn more at www.VoteJoey.net
Nancy McDevitt - House District 66
Nancy is ready to fight for women's rights in Indiana. “I have a high level of energy,” McDevitt said. “... I love to help people. I have that dogged determination to help people — it’s almost an obsession. I think that’s what would make me good.” She also served as the Police Commissioner for
Sellersburg, Indiana.
Sellersburg, Indiana.
Dee Moore -
House District 22
Dee is a 7th generation Hoosier farmer with a BA from Purdue in Visual Arts. "Climate change is the biggest threat to life on our planet. I want to protect our earth for the next seven generations." Learn more about Dee on Facebook: Dee Moore for Indiana State Representative.
Nan Polk -
House District 54
Nan is a lifelong resident of Henry County. She taught high school science for over 30 years , parenting to teenage moms, and now serves on the New Castle School Board. She will work for Faith, Family and the Future as your State Representative. Learn more at www.nanpolkforIndiana.com
Mimi Pruett HD 73.webp
Mimi is a Therapist, Mother, Grandmother, and Advocate For The People. She has been a strong community activist in her home town of Greensburg.
Amanda Qualls -
House District 49
Amanda lives in Goshen, owns a small business, works for a local non-profit, and serves on the Goshen Community School board. She's earned a BA from Notre Dame and a MLS from IU. Learn more at www.AmandaQualls.com
Katherine Ryback -
House District 76
Katherine has degrees in Law, Economics and Political Science. She has spent her career as a legal aid lawyer, advocating for survivors of domestic violence and elder abuse, tenants facing homelessness, debtors destabilized by garnishments and individuals denied government assistance. "Big business, healthcare companies, and more all have big voices for them in the Statehouse, I want to be the voice for families, workers, tenants, parents and more!" Learn more at www.ElectRybakRep.com
Kathy Thorpe - House District 60
Kathy has been a Nurse for over forty years, most recently at Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis. She lives in Martinsville where she works to improve the environment, support public education, and fight for women's rights.
Jocelyn Vare -
Senate District 31
Jocelyn is a business owner and at-large member of the Fishers City Council. "I’m excited to continue fighting for government transparency, civic participation, and the issues that will elevate your community, neighborhood, and household." Learn more at www.JocelynVareforIndiana.com
Yvonne Washington -
House District 56
C. Yvonne Washington is passionate about bringing diverse voices to the table to move House District 56 forward. She cares deeply for the citizens of Wayne and Henry counties and will be an excellent choice for Indiana State Representative! "I understand the complexity of the problems that have to be addressed in Wayne and Henry counties and I bring a fresh prospective, creative solutions, and energized partnerships to Indiana government." Learn more at www.electyvonnewashington.weebly.com
Robin Williams -
House District 30
Robin Williams, a seasoned and savvy 35 year career not-for-profit community leader is seeking to unseat Indiana DistrIct 30 State Representative Mike Karickhoff (R) in the upcoming November election. Driven by her passionate support for education, job creation, Veterans, Civil Rights, Women’s Rights, the Arts and quality of life concerns, she is ready to tackle the issues and speak truth to power.
It’s no surprise that Williams made the official announcement of her candidacy on the first day of Black History Month, as she has been a lifelong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. As a journalist, Williams’ coverage of Civil Rights and race issues has been published in the Martin Luther King Jr. legacy publication SCLC National Magazine and in the New York Times. Her historical account of the Black Indian culture was installed at the library of the Smithsonian Institution in 2018.
During her career, Williams has spearheaded and directed several government-funded Arts & Cultural institutions in the Midwest and South. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University- Bloomington and a Master’s Degree from Liberty University.
“Teachers should be empowered to teach the truth, rather than be imprisoned by politics. As a former cultural educator for K-12 students, as well as College students, I firmly believe that students should have the opportunity to learn history and cultural context in order to make their own informed, educated decisions about life. A well-rounded education provides children with the beauty of discovery and the discernment to understand the world . Our educators and education system are in danger. When I am elected, I will champion the integrity of public and private education.”
It’s no surprise that Williams made the official announcement of her candidacy on the first day of Black History Month, as she has been a lifelong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. As a journalist, Williams’ coverage of Civil Rights and race issues has been published in the Martin Luther King Jr. legacy publication SCLC National Magazine and in the New York Times. Her historical account of the Black Indian culture was installed at the library of the Smithsonian Institution in 2018.
During her career, Williams has spearheaded and directed several government-funded Arts & Cultural institutions in the Midwest and South. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University- Bloomington and a Master’s Degree from Liberty University.
“Teachers should be empowered to teach the truth, rather than be imprisoned by politics. As a former cultural educator for K-12 students, as well as College students, I firmly believe that students should have the opportunity to learn history and cultural context in order to make their own informed, educated decisions about life. A well-rounded education provides children with the beauty of discovery and the discernment to understand the world . Our educators and education system are in danger. When I am elected, I will champion the integrity of public and private education.”
bottom of page