Submitted by Indiana Democratic Party
Indiana Democrats are the party of firsts. Over the years, Democrats elected Indiana’s first Latino member of the state legislature, Indiana’s first-majority female caucus, and record numbers of African American legislators from across the state.
Just this past year, Hoosier Democrats elected the first Black female mayors of three cities: Evansville, Lawrence, and Michigan City. Now, a diverse slate of candidates is stepping up to represent their communities and fight for a stronger, fairer Indiana.
State Reps. Mike Andrade and Victoria Garcia Wilburn serve in Districts 12 and 32, respectively, and are two of four Latino members of the Indiana General Assembly along with fellow Democrats Sen. Rodney Pol (District 4) and Rep. Earl Harris, Jr. (District 2). They are both running for reelection to continue seeking bipartisan solutions to the problems Hoosiers face.
Garcia Wilburn
“This is a wonderful, diverse community, and I believe when we all come together and work for solutions, we create a better future for all,” State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn said. “The recent actions limiting access to healthcare services for women, children with Autism, and families of medically complex children as well as the constant culture wars threatens our district’s future. I’ll keep working to restore and protect our rights and keep our community one of the best places to raise a family in Indiana.”
Garcia Wilburn was born in a working-class neighborhood in the Chicago suburbs and raised in a union family. She earned a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy as a first-generation college student. She went on to earn both her Master’s and Doctorate in health science, while working part time and raising her three young children. For the past 19 years, Victoria and her family have made Indiana their home.
Garcia Wilburn has been a tireless advocate for equity and access to mental and behavioral health service. She serves on the Indiana Behavioral Health Commission and on the Indiana Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs. Last year, she authored and passed legislation requiring mental health support for Hoosier police officers and firefighters. Learn more about the candidate at WilburnForIndiana.com.
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Alex Burton is an Evansville City Councilman running for state representative in District 77. His focus at the Statehouse would be on jobs and economic development. His leadership on the council gives him the experience to hit the ground running at the Statehouse.
Erika Robinson-Watkins is the first woman of color to be selected to the Valparaiso Community School Board, and lives with her family in the city. She’s passionate about early childhood education and co-operates a daycare facility with her sister. She’s running in District 4 which contains all of Valparaiso and parts of southern Porter County.
Dominique Davie is running for the open House District 90 on the southwest side of Marion County. He’s an Indy native, graduate of IUPUI, and is running because he wants to invest back in District 90 as its representative.