New legislative leaders, same commitment to electric cooperatives

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Election Day brought significant changes to the political landscape, both in Washington and at the Indiana Statehouse. At the federal level, Democrats gained control of both chambers of Congress, flipping at least seven seats in the Senate and 35 in the House. In Indiana, the Republican majority in the House of Representatives fell below the threshold for a supermajority, and several key legislative leaders lost their re-election bids. 

Amid these changes, IEC’s commitment to advocating for electric cooperatives remains the same. While building relationships with new legislators takes time, we remain confident in our message and approach. We will continue working across party lines to strengthen relationships with policymakers, educate them on cooperative issues, and ensure they understand the important role electric cooperatives play in their districts. We look forward to working with legislators on energy policies that address the needs of the communities we serve. 

Changes in Indiana House Leadership and Utilities Committee 

Within the Indiana House of Representatives, the Republican majority was diminished from a 70-30 supermajority to a simple majority projected at 54-46, pending the results of two uncalled races.  

The election also brought changes to House leadership, with Speaker Todd Huston and Majority Caucus Chair Greg Steuerwald losing their re-election bids. On Wednesday, House Republicans named Rep. Ben Smaltz as their new speaker, Rep. Matt Lehman as House Majority Leader, and Rep. Jake Teshka as Majority Caucus Chair. 

Five members of the House Committee on Utilities, Energy, and Telecommunications lost their re-election bids and will leave the committee. They are: 

  • Rep. Ed Soliday (District 4) — Committee Chairman 
  • Rep. Dave Hall (District 62) — Committee Vice Chairman 
  • Rep. Dale DeVon (District 5)
  • Rep. Bob Morris (District 84) 
  • Rep. Chris Jeter (District 88) 

The election is expected to leave only four of the nine Republicans on the 13-member utilities committee in office. 

Election Reshapes Indiana Senate and Statewide Leadership 

The Senate’s partisan makeup also shifted, with Republicans projected to hold 35 seats, down from their previous 40-10 supermajority, pending the outcome of some uncalled races.

Indiana State Senator Chris Garten won the election among Senate Republicans to serve as Senate President Pro Tempore, and Sen. Tyler Johnson has been elected by his caucus colleagues to serve as Senate Republican Caucus Chair.  Sen. Eric Koch is expected to be named the Senate Majority Floor Leader.

In statewide races, Beau Bayh won election as secretary of state, marking the first time a Democrat has won a statewide Indiana office since Glenda Ritz won the 2012 race for superintendent of public instruction. Democrat Jessica Bailey also won the race for state comptroller against incumbent Elise Nieshalla. Meanwhile, Republican Daniel Elliott won re-election as state treasurer. 

Looking Ahead 

Political dynamics will continue to shift from one election cycle to the next, bringing new challenges and opportunities to advance the interests of our member cooperatives. Regardless of which way the political pendulum swings, IEC remains committed to working alongside our members to build relationships, educate policymakers, and sustain our advocacy efforts. That work doesn’t begin when the legislative session opens Jan. 12. IEC began engaging and educating policymakers well before Election Day and will continue those efforts with members at its Nov. 16 Legislative Appreciation Dinner. Held annually the night before the General Assembly’s Organization Day, the event brings legislators face-to-face with cooperative leaders and provides an important opportunity to strengthen relationships and keep cooperative priorities front and center.

With energy affordability expected to be a key policy focus in the upcoming session, IEC is ready to continue working with you to advocate for electric cooperatives at the Statehouse. The political landscape may have changed, but IEC’s mission and commitment to representing electric cooperatives remains the same.