Pacers communications executive Danny Lopez to run for open HamCo House seat

Pacers Sports & Entertainment executive Danny Lopez on Thursday announced his campaign for a soon-to-be vacant seat in Indiana’s House of Representatives.

Longtime Rep. Jerry Torr, R-Carmel, said on Tuesday that he planned to forego reelection in 2024. House District 39 covers parts of Carmel and Westfield.

“There will be big shoes to fill with the retirement of Representative Jerry Torr at the conclusion of his term next year, and I am ready to tackle the issues Hoosier families care about most with the civility and optimism that reflects the kind of community we are,” Lopez said in a news release.

In his introductory campaign advertisement, Lopez emphasized his Cuban roots and his family’s exemplification of the American dream.

“My grandparents were political refugees from Cuba, fleeing and leaving everything behind when the communists seized power,” Lopez said. “But with hard work and humility, they set our family on the path we’re on today.”

He struck a decidedly hopeful, family-oriented tone.

“There’s a lot to be frustrated and angry about right now,” Lopez said. “But stories like my family’s demonstrate the greatness of our state and our nation, and the importance of fighting to preserve it.”

Lopez prioritized education: school safety, parent engagement and teacher support.

He also professed support for law enforcement and lower taxes — and called for greater “civility.”

“My campaign will fight hard for our future, and we’ll do it in a way that models the kind of people we want our children and our grandchildren to be,” he said.

Lopez is vice president for external affairs and corporate communications at Pacers Sports & Entertainment. He previously was chief of staff and senior vice president at Strada Education Network, a nonprofit that helps students finance their post-secondary educations.

Lopez has long worked in politics and government.

He was among Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s transition team, was his first deputy chief of staff, and — during Holcomb’s time as lieutenant governor — was his chief of staff. He was previously state director for then U.S. Sen. Dan Coats, a special assistant to former Gov. Mike Pence, and held additional roles within former Gov. Mitch Daniels’ administration.

The Indiana Democratic Party called Lopez an “extreme partisan” in a news release plugging Democrat candidate Matt McNally.

Schmuhl criticized Lopez for being one of the Pence administration’s “biggest cheerleaders,” as it “gutted funding for public education, gave millions in handouts to special interests, and increased Indiana’s restrictions on women’s healthcare freedom.”

“When (the Religious Freedom Restoration Act) was passed by Pence and cost our state billions in lost revenue, Danny stayed silent. Was RFRA and the damage it did to our state just another example of ‘Republican common sense principles’ to Danny?” Schmuhl asked.