Q&A
Watch Statehouse Reporter Brandon Smith's interview with Jennifer McCormick
What do you consider the two most important issues facing Hoosiers who will see your name on their ballot this November? And if elected, what policies will you push for to address each one?
Fight for Reproductive Freedoms - Indiana’s Republican-led extreme abortion ban has taken away the right of women to make deeply personal decisions regarding their own healthcare.* As governor, I will fight for reproductive rights and freedoms, including restoring those rights and freedoms that were recently lost. As governor, I will work to provide state-wide access to maternal health services, addressing our state’s 25 counties deemed “maternity care deserts” while understanding that 30% of our counties are without an OB-GYN.**
Ensure a High-Quality Education - Knowledge and learning are essential to preserving a free government, per the Indiana Constitution. As a lifelong educator, I recognize the importance of a high-quality education for students, parents, communities, our state, and the broader society. We must collectively invest in our kids, educators, and communities to ensure Hoosiers are set up for success. As governor, I will recognize the continuum of education and invest in all levels of the educational journey. An emphasis will be placed on completing the expansion of statewide quality and affordable childcare and solidifying universal PreK.
*Editor’s note: For context, Indiana lawmakers banned abortions with limited exceptions including if the health or the life of the pregnant person is at risk, in case of lethal fetal anomalies but only up to 20 weeks post-fertilization, and if the pregnancy is a result of rape or incest but only up to 10 weeks.
**Editor’s note: Maternity care deserts are defined as places that have no obstetric hospitals, birth centers and no obstetric providers. According to a 2023 report by the nonprofit March of Dimes, which focuses on maternal and infant health, 22 counties in Indiana are considered “maternity care deserts.” That’s around 23.9% of Indiana counties, compared to 32.6% of counties across the U.S.
We've heard from many in our audience that they feel frustrated — sometimes disenfranchised — by our current political landscape. These feelings sometimes contribute to people deciding not to vote, and Indiana consistently ranks near the bottom of the list on voter turnout. What would you say to a potential voter who feels this way?
I understand your frustration with the current political landscape. It can feel like your voice doesn't matter when the same issues persist year after year. But your voice does matter, and now more than ever. When you vote, you're not just choosing a candidate; you're shaping the future of Indiana. Your vote influences decisions on healthcare, education, jobs, and infrastructure—issues that impact your daily life.
Indiana's low voter turnout is something we can change together. I'm committed to ensuring every Hoosier feels heard and valued. We need leaders who are accountable, who understand your challenges, and who are ready to take real action. That’s why I’m running for Governor: to bring fresh ideas, to listen, and to work tirelessly to build a state where everyone can thrive.
Please see your vote as more than just a civic duty—it's a powerful tool for change. Let’s work together to make Indiana a place where every voice counts and every vote makes a difference. Your participation can shape a better future for all of us.
Economic anxiety is top of mind for many in our audience and around the country, with a common concern being inflation and the high price of basic needs. In all the complexity around economic issues, what specific changes need to happen to help Hoosiers and their families?
I understand that economic anxiety, particularly inflation and the rising costs of basic needs, is a major concern for many Hoosiers. As your Democratic nominee for Governor, I believe we need to take bold, immediate steps to ease these burdens.
First, we must pass the McCormick-Goodin Commonsense Property Tax Relief Plan. This plan will provide $600 million in much-needed relief to homeowners without cutting essential services at the local level.
Additionally, we need to focus on bringing back high-paying, union jobs to Indiana. Unions have historically been a pathway to the middle class, providing workers with fair wages, benefits, and job security. By supporting the growth of unionized industries, we can create good jobs that allow families to thrive, not just survive.
Finally, we need to invest in affordable housing, healthcare, and education. These are the building blocks of a stable economy. By making these essentials more accessible, we can help Hoosier families keep more money in their pockets and reduce the economic pressure they face.
Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient Indiana where every family has the opportunity to succeed.
Endorsements - Source
Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA)
Indiana Democratic Party
American Federation of Teachers - Indiana
Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana PAC
UAW Region 2B - Community Action Program
Indiana American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
Network for Public Education Action
Indiana Young Democrats
Indiana Coalition for Public Education
Indiana Federation of Democratic Women (IFDW)
American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE)
Communications Workers of America (CWA)
Indiana Stonewall Democrats
Stonewall Democrats of South Central Indiana
Muncie Resists
Indivisible - Northwest Indiana
United Mine Workers of America
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employee (AFSCME) – ALF-CIO Council 962
American Federation of Teachers - Gary Local 4
American Federation of Teachers - Anderson Local 519
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) - Local 700
3rd Congressional District Indiana Democratic Party
Mad Voters
Moms Demand Action
Mental Health Now
Notable Donors - Source
Indiana PAC for Education
Ann Stack
Noah Smith
Local 135 Drive Fund Inc
IBEW PAC Federal
John Raitt
United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Federal
Michael Gouloff
Nathaniel Lee
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