Central Indiana Statehouse incumbents hang on to their seats

Three Statehouse incumbents—two Democrats and a Republican—representing central Indiana communities held on to their seats Tuesday.

House District 32 Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, the Democratic incumbent, declared victory in her race against Republican Patricia Bratton. While Democrat Mitch Gore, the House District 89 representative, led Republican Yvonne Metcalfe.

And in the Indiana Senate, Republican Aaron Freeman held off a challenge from Democrat Katrina Owens.

Meanwhile, Republican Danny Lopez will represent Indiana House District 39 after he defeated his Democratic challenger Matt McNally.

House District 32

Garcia Wilburn, an assistant professor of occupational therapy at Indiana University Indianapolis, has focused during her first two years in the Legislature on strengthening public schools, improving public health and pushing for gun control.

In 2022, Garcia Wilburn narrowly defeated Republican Fred Glynn by nearly 250 votes.

Bratton owned and operated a small business focused on assisting firms with group health care and employee benefits for 30 years. Her campaign focused on lowering health care costs, supporting teachers, increasing funding for law enforcement and expanding mental health and addiction programs.

With 88% of the vote counted, Garcia Wilburn leads Bratton with nearly 52% of the vote to 48%. House District 32 covers Hamilton County’s Clay and Delaware townships and extends south into Marion County.

House District 39

Lopez, a Florida native and a grandson of Cuban political refugees, previously served in various positions under the last three Indiana governors, including deputy chief of staff for Gov. Eric Holcomb. In March 2020, he took a job as vice president for external affairs and communications with Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

In a video announcement when he began his campaign, Lopez said his focuses are attracting high-paying jobs, strengthening services for Hoosier veterans, backing law enforcement and supporting parents and teachers.

The House District 39 race drew attention in recent weeks following a television ad released by Lopez’s campaign that accused McNally of supporting transgender girls playing in girls sports.

Just before 11 p.m., Lopez led McNally about 54% to 46% with roughly 94% of the votes counted.

House District 89

With about 60% of the vote counted, Gore led Metcalfe 55% to 45% in House District 89. House District 89 covers parts of the southeast side of Indianapolis.

Gore is a Marion County Sheriff’s Office captain and has been involved with his family’s restaurant near Washington Square. While in the House, he has focused his efforts on supporting law enforcement and reducing gun violence.

Senate District 32

In Senate District 32, with 52% of the vote counted, Republican incumbent Aaron Freeman led Democrat Katrina Owens with 60% of the vote to about 40%. Senate District 32 covers Beech Grove, Franklin Township and parts of Johnson County.

Freeman is looking to overcome opposition from public transit proponents in Indianapolis who sought to remove him from office over his opposition to IndyGo’s bus rapid transit system.

Senate District 35

Republican State Sen. Michael Young leads Democrat Jessica McCormick 58% to about 42% with 63% of the voted counted in Senate District 35, which covers parts of Indianapolis and Plainfield.

Young has served in the legislature since 1986 and split from his caucus during the 2022 special session, according to a letter he sent to the Senate president. He has served in the Senate since 2000.