The Indiana Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Comptroller (formerly Auditor of State) are on the ballot, as are all 100 Indiana House of Representatives districts and 25 state Senate seats. The significant storyline in Indiana politics this election cycle seems focused on internal politics and changes within the Republican party itself, especially after the contentious mid-decade congressional redistricting fight last December and what resulted in the 2026 Republican primaries. The temperature of national politics remains high, and while the landscape overall in Indiana will remain predominantly Republican, the biggest question mark is to what degree.

There will be big changes in the Indiana Senate going into the 2027 session. In August, Republican Senators endorsed Senator Chris Garten (SD 45) to succeed Senator Rod Bray (SD 47) as Senate President Pro Tempore post-election. Senator Bray, who has led the caucus since 2018, announced in July that he would resign from the leadership position, but would remain in that role until after the November elections when a formal caucus vote will be taken. There will be additional Senate Republican leadership changes including a new Majority Floor Leader and Caucus Chair. Additionally, the Indiana Senate will have a significantly different look post-election with at least ten new members and at least eight new committee chairs. The loss of institutional legislative knowledge and experience will change that chamber in ways not seen for a long time.

Over in the Indiana House of Representatives, there will not be as much wholesale change. While several seats are being challenged and Republicans are expected to retain outright control, the question is by what margin. The current split is 70 Republicans and 30 Democrats. There are always surprises on election night, so stay tuned.

The most interesting statewide race to watch is Secretary of State. The major party candidates for this contest are chosen through a convention of party loyalists, not the primary election. Republican Max Engling was selected, defeating incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales. Democrat Beau Bayh is his party’s choice, and Lauri Shillings is the Libertarian. The fourth candidate is former Indianapolis Republican mayor Greg Ballard running as an independent under the newly formed Lincoln Party. Barring an unforeseen turn of events, the Treasurer and Comptroller will remain in Republican hands.

While Indiana’s nine Congressional seats are all contested, the 5th District has gotten attention from both inside the state and on the national level. Incumbent Republican US Representative Victoria Spartz is facing a robust challenge from Democrat State Senator JD Ford. CD 5 covers all or parts of six counties, running from the northern suburbs of central Indiana up to Grant County.

After November 3rd, all eyes will turn toward the 2027 legislative session. We expect plenty of energy-related legislation to be introduced. IMPA will continue engaging with policymakers, telling our story, and making sure Indiana’s public power voices are heard.