The Indiana Democratic Party is focused on flipping at least four seats in the state House this year, which would break the supermajority Republicans have had for more than a decade.
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl said breaking the supermajority gives Democrats a greater ability to stop, slow or change what he calls “harmful” legislation.
And Schmuhl said his party can flip seats by providing voters with quality choices — candidates that are focused on solutions to real problems.
“I feel like you can only go so far as a political party before you kind of tip over. And I think that the Republican Party is very, very close to tipping over,” Schmuhl said.
Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 765-275-1120. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues, including our project Civically, Indiana.
A focus of the party’s strategy is suburban districts around Indianapolis. Candidates like Josh Lowry said a key message is the need for greater accountability and transparency.
“Breaking the supermajority is healthy for democracy,” Lowry said.
Republicans have had a supermajority in the state Senate since 2010 and in the House since 2012.
Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.