Democrats End Republican House Supermajority in Indiana
Unofficial results show Democrats gained enough seats to break the GOP's two-thirds control in the state House, while Republicans retained their Senate advantage.
By Aiko Soto ·
Democratic candidates secured enough victories on Tuesday to dismantle the Republican supermajority in the Indiana House of Representatives. The party had held that legislative power since 2012. Unofficial results also indicate that Democrats flipped seats in the state Senate, though Republicans appear to have retained a majority in that chamber.
The shift in the House reflects a strategic push by national Democratic groups to target vulnerable Republican incumbents. In May, The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee identified six races where it believed Democratic challengers could succeed. The committee backed candidates in those districts as part of an effort to expand the party's presence in the statehouse.
The gains followed a period of tension between state Republican leaders and President Donald Trump. State lawmakers initially resisted the president's request to redraw congressional districts to favor the GOP. This conflict set the stage for a more competitive election cycle, with Democrats targeting districts that had leaned Republican for years.
Tiffany Stoner defeated Republican incumbent Becky Cash in Indiana House District 25, which includes Zionsville and parts of Boone and Hendricks counties. Stoner received 63.2% of the vote in what served as a rematch of the 2024 race, where she had lost by 64 votes. She cited public education as a central focus of her campaign.
In a major upset, Lauren Cole defeated House Speaker Todd Houston in Indiana House District 37. Cole won 51.5% of the vote in a Hamilton County district that includes Fishers and has historically favored Republicans. Houston had held the seat since 2012 and served as speaker since 2020. Cole stated she would maintain regular town halls and explain her votes to constituents.
Lindsay Gramlich captured Indiana House District 39 with 54.2% of the vote, defeating Danny Lopez. The district covers portions of Carmel and Westfield. Gramlich, a nonprofit executive, said she would bring experts and community members to legislative decision-making processes.
Republican Spencer Deery held onto Indiana Senate District 23, winning 53.8% of the vote. Deery's path to the general election was complicated by his opposition to Trump's redistricting efforts. He survived a primary challenge backed by the president by three votes, a result that required a recount and a ruling by the Indiana Supreme Court.
Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal won Indiana Senate District 31 with 57.6% of the vote, unseating Juanita Albright. This marks the first time a Democrat has won the seat in decades. Forestal, who is term-limited in his sheriff role, replaced outgoing Republican Senator Kyle Walker, who had not sought reelection.
