Submitted
Root
Kirsten Root, a Sheridan resident and social worker, announced Thursday, Jan. 22 that she is running for Indiana State Senate in District 21, emphasizing a campaign grounded in community listening and practical problem-solving.
Root’s career has focused on supporting families and strengthening community systems. Her professional background includes several years working with the Indiana Department of Child Services in Hamilton County, an internship with Westfield Fire’s Mobile Integrated Health program, and an internship with the IU Student Outreach Clinic (“Compassion Clinic”), a free health service in Indianapolis. She has also advocated for expanding social work-informed programs within public safety settings, including the Sheriff’s Department and Coroner’s Office, with a focus on crisis response, resource connection, and reducing repeat emergencies.
“I’ve sat with families on their hardest days,” Root said. “I’ve met people who are doing everything right by working hard, loving their kids, and giving everything they have for their family. And still, people fall behind. Too often, first responders are carrying situations that never should have become emergencies, because the system isn’t built for everyday working people. I’m running for the folks who feel invisible when decisions are made: the ones working overtime, caring for loved ones, and still worrying they’re one emergency away from losing everything.
“But I’m hopeful, because I’ve seen what happens when the right support shows up at the right time. When people are given a fair shot and real support, they don’t just survive, they rebuild and thrive. Indiana can be a place where families get ahead again, and I’m ready to do the work to make that real.”
To help shape her policy priorities, Root is inviting District 21 residents to complete a short community input survey at forms.gle/XqmSRwVvuf7PeHHw8. The campaign will use responses to guide outreach and inform legislative priorities.
Root’s campaign website, including opportunities to volunteer and learn more, is available at RootForIndiana.org.
About Kirsten Root
Kirsten Root is a Sheridan resident and social worker with experience supporting individuals and families in crisis and collaborating with community partners across central Indiana. She is running for the Indiana State Senate in District 21.