(STATEHOUSE) This morning, the Senate Majority Caucus declared victory for now-Senator Vic Heinold (R-Valparaiso) by a margin of approximately 300 votes. Senate District 5 is located in northwest Indiana and includes Starke County and portions of Porter, Marshall, Jasper, LaPorte, Pulaski and St. Joseph Counties.
“I am thankful to God and to the citizens of District 5 for giving me the opportunity to serve them at the Statehouse for the next four years,” Heinold said. “I gave 100 percent to my campaign, and I’ll give 100 percent to looking out for northwest Indiana. With the changes in state government this election brought, I know good things are going to happen for Hoosiers, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”
The addition of Heinold to the Senate gives the Majority Caucus a 33-17 advantage.
The caucus also elected leadership positions this afternoon. Senate President Pro Tempore Robert D. Garton (R-Columbus) retained his position with no opposition, as did Principal Secretary of the Senate Mary Mendel. Sen. Jim Merritt (R-Indianapolis) also was unopposed as he was elected Caucus Chairman, a position vacated by Lt. Governor-Elect Becky Skillman.
“The caucus chairmanship is an exciting challenge, and I’m eager to build on the strong foundation set by my predecessor,” Merritt said. “Coordinating the efforts of 33 men and women will be a very rewarding experience, and I’m ready to get to work.”
New senators also include Sen. Ryan Mishler (R-Bremen) who replaced Kent Adams in District 9; Sen. Brent Steele (R-Bedford) who replaced Skillman in District 44; and Sen. Brent Waltz (R-Greenwood) who replaced Sen. Lawrence Borst in District 36. Senators' terms are effective immediately, though a ceremonial swearing-in will take place on Tues., Nov. 16 at the Statehouse.
Garton said he will make appointments to other leadership positions and committee chairmanships in the next several weeks.
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Note to Reporters:
For more information or photos of senators, contact:
Jamie Jorczak
Communications Director
Indiana Senate Majority Caucus
ph: (317)232-9524 or 1-800-382-9467
fax: (317)232-9664