Stay ahead of the curve as a political insider with deep policy analysis, daily briefings and policy-shaping tools.
Request a Demo- Rokita credited his win to voter support for issues like stopping illegal immigration, enhancing public safety and preserving Hoosier values
- Rokita criticized Wells for running what he called a “negative campaign”
- In her concession speech, Wells highlighted gains by Democrats in the Legislature and emphasized the importance of gradual progress
INDIANAPOLIS — Attorney General Todd Rokita defeated Democratic challenger Destiny Wells on Tuesday to retain his seat as the state’s top law enforcement official.
“The voters of this great state sent a clear message: They want to end illegal immigration; they want to keep dangerous criminals out of their neighborhoods,” Rokita said Tuesday. “They’re tired of their hospitals and their schools being overrun. They want to protect our jobs and our economy. They want to protect our families and our commonsense Hoosier values.”
He added, “My opponent spent hundreds of thousands of dollars running false, negative TV ads and radio ads. She is part of the far left of this state, which does exist and which seeks to send Indiana into an extreme direction. I’m proud to tell you, my fellow Republicans, I did not lie. I did not run a negative campaign.”
Wells said in her concession speech, “Change is incremental. We held our ground in the state Legislature. We did not concede any seats so far. In fact, we have only gained.”
Wells said she told Rokita tonight that she looks forward to a peaceful transfer of power no matter the outcome of the presidential election.
“We have started to swing back to the left,” Wells said. “These things do not happen overnight. We will make gains. We will. That’s all that we have room to do.”
State Affairs reporters Jarred Meeks and Rory Appleton contributed to this article.
Brian A. Howey is senior writer and columnist for Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs. Find Howey on Facebook and X @hwypol.
Know the most important news affecting Indiana
Get our free weekly newsletter that covers government, policy and politics that impact your everyday life—in 5 minutes or less.
The man behind the governor: Josh Kelley’s journey to Indiana leadership
As Gov.-elect Mike Braun’s transition team and priorities take shape, his right-hand man prepares to lead the staff tasked with ensuring the incoming governor’s vision becomes reality. Josh Kelley has quickly established a political career marked by several key achievements, including anchoring two statewide campaign victories, serving as Braun’s chief of staff in the U.S. …
COLUMN: Trump should seek Ukraine NATO membership on day 1
INDIANAPOLIS — The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is a military alliance founded in 1949 following World War II to keep Soviet influence in check. The United States is one of 12 founding members. There are 32 members, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, France, Spain and Italy. Article 5 of NATO’s charter states that …
Howey Politics Indiana celebrates 30th anniversary
Storied Indiana political columnist Brian Howey was honored Tuesday at a gala celebrating his 30th year at the helm of his namesake newsletter, Howey Politics Indiana. Howey was joined at the event by his wife Susan, his fellow State Affairs teammates and political insiders. Know the most important news affecting Indiana Get our free weekly …
Incumbents win in 2 tight Indiana House races; Cash-Stoner outcome uncertain
The election outcome remained uncertain in one Indiana House district where Republican incumbent Becky Cash was leading Democrat Tiffany Stoner by less than one-tenth of a percentage point. Two other House incumbents — Republican Rep. Dave Hall and Democratic Rep. Wendy Dant Chesser — prevailed with narrow victories that aren’t expected to face recount challenges. …