Indiana lieutenant governor candidates to showdown in first debate at state fairgrounds

The candidates for Indiana lieutenant governor – Republican Micah Beckwith, Democrat Terry Goodin and Libertarian nominee Tonya Hudson – will face off in the Purdue Extension Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds during the last week of the fair. 

Fair visitors can attend the event for free. It will also be live streamed on Youtube when it kicks off at 3 p.m on August 13.

The candidates are expected to discuss agriculture and rural issues and how that impacts the state’s economy, according to a flier from Danville-based AgrIInstitute, the event’s host. Inside INdiana Business host Gerry Dick will moderate the debate. 

The state’s lieutenant governor runs the Department of Agriculture and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs. They also oversee tourism and housing development offices, and preside over the senate.

The role also serves as a vice president-esque position. They are on standby should the governor ever leave office due to death, resignation or removal by impeachment.

Most recently, Goodin served as Indiana’s state director for rural development, appointed by the federal Department of Agriculture. Goodin said the state fair is a fitting stage for this debate because of its emphasis on agriculture. 

“I look forward to the opportunity to discuss the McCormick-Goodin common sense vision for the future of Indiana, with a particular focus on issues relevant to agriculture, rural affairs, and community development,” Goodin said in a statement.

Beckwith’s victory over gubernatorial candidate Mike Braun’s pick for the job brought more attention to this race than years prior. Beckwith promoted the debate on the social media site X.

Rachel Fradette is the WFYI Statehouse education reporter. Contact Rachel at rfradette@wfyi.org.