Valerie McCray, the Democratic nominee, concedes on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
The crowded field of candidates vying to succeed outgoing Indiana Democratic Chair Mike Schmuhl got one more entrant on Friday, with psychologist Valerie McCray signaling her interest just ahead of the March 7 deadline.
McCray joins five other contenders: former Allen County Democratic Party Chair Derek Camp; former gubernatorial nominee and educator Jennifer McCormick; former Indiana Sen. Karen Tallian; at-large Gary Common Council Member Darren Washington; and former attorney general nominee Destiny Wells.
Next leader will shape Indiana Democratic Party trajectory for the next four years
Most recently, McCray ran on the Democratic ticket for U.S. Senate, losing to former U.S. Rep. Jim Banks, a Republican.
“Business as usual will not work,” McCray said in a release. “We must excite, unite, and expand our party to ensure its survival. I am committed to bridging the divide and building a stronger, more resilient Indiana Democratic Party. That starts with a bold plan to control the messaging narrative, robust training programs across our party infrastructure, and organizing at the precinct level.”
The three dozen electors who will ultimately choose Schmuhl’s successor haven’t yet been selected by party insiders.
The Indiana Democratic Party holds votes in phases, with county chairs elected this past Saturday. From that pool come the 18 congressional district chairs and vice chairs who will be part of the bloc selecting the next party leader — but, according to party rules, those electors won’t be selected until March 8, one day after chair candidates must formally submit their paperwork. The remaining 17 or so voters include constituency caucuses and Democratic National Committee members.
Democrats haven’t held a statewide office since 2018 and operate as a superminority party in both legislative chambers.
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Whitney Downard