Submitted
Pike Township (Marion County) Board President Demetrice Hicks (D) filed paperwork Wednesday, Jan. 14 to run in the Primary Election for the State Senate District 29 seat to replace State Senator J.D. Ford. The district includes parts of Boone, Hamilton, and Marion counties.
Hicks, 33, is currently the youngest elected official in Marion County to hold a township legislative seat. Hicks is also the youngest Black official in Marion County.
“Sen. Ford has been a wonderful lawmaker and will make an incredible Congressman,” Hicks said. “I hear from constituents in our district all the time that he is incredibly responsive to their concerns and engaged in the community. I vow to continue the level of service that those in SD 29 have come to know.”
Hicks was elected to the Pike Township Board, which is the legislative and fiscal body of the township, in 2024. Hicks currently serves as President.
“I had hoped to complete my full term on the Pike Board,” Hicks said. “However, when Sen. Ford told me of his plans to run for Congress, I felt called to step up so that residents in my district didn’t experience a leadership void. I’m very familiar with the Statehouse. I have advocated on education and foster care policy, and recently spoke out against redistricting as a local elected official. I am ready to serve Senate District 29 as its next State Senator!”
In the past, the Indianapolis resident has served as a Pike Township Precinct Committeeman and was the two-term elected President of the Indianapolis Indiana Democrat African American Caucus (IDAAC Indy).
Hicks works full-time as a Director of Clinical Operations and oversees millions in government funding for crisis intervention services. He has also served as a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) for abused and neglected children to help represent children’s voices in court.