Jennifer McCormick, the former Indiana state schools Superintendent, has announced her candidacy for governor of Indiana in 2024. McCormick’s decision to switch from the Republican to the Democratic party followed her successful bid for the state schools chief in 2016. In a recent interview, she criticised the Republican-controlled legislature for failing to provide adequate support for traditional public schools and instead prioritising a national conservative agenda on social issues. While McCormick is the only publicly active potential Democratic candidate, she faces challenges in a traditionally Republican-dominated state. Republicans have won all governor elections since 2004, and the last time a Democrat won any statewide race was in 2012. Meanwhile, Republicans have three potential candidates: U.S. Sen. Mike Braun, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, and Eric Doden.
McCormick’s criticism of Republican control over Indiana’s legislature is not without reason. She has consistently called out Republican leaders for promoting a conservative agenda and failing to provide adequate funding for public schools in the state. McCormick’s shift towards the Democratic party last year and her endorsement of governor candidate Woody Myers is a reflection of her views on the current state of politics in Indiana. This is not the first time she has criticised Republican leaders in Indiana. During her tenure as state schools chief, she frequently clashed with Republican leaders on educational policies.
However, McCormick faces a gargantuan task of winning an election in a traditionally Republican state. An independent candidate has not been elected as governor of Indiana since 1912, and the last Democratic governor of Indiana was elected in 2004. Since then, Republicans have dominated Indiana politics, making it challenging for Democrats to gain a foothold.
In conclusion, McCormick’s announcement is an interesting development in the upcoming governor race of Indiana in 2024. She has repeatedly criticised Republican legislators for pursuing an unpopular national conservative agenda and failing to support public schools. Whether McCormick can rally widespread support from Democrats and moderate Republicans remains to be seen. McCormick is an advocate for public education and this aspect of her campaign may gain momentum in light of Indiana’s slow educational progress in recent years. Ultimately, however, only time will tell whether McCormick can sway public opinion and secure the governor’s office in 2024.
