MCYD Announces 2020 Slate of Endorsements

Candidates seeking to take back the Statehouse and Senate

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Marion County Young Democrats (MCYD) convened for a socially distanced watch party for the close of the 2020 Virtual Democratic National Convention last night and announced its slate of 2020 endorsements, putting its growing political weight behind 8 candidates running here in Marion County.

MCYD endorsed three candidates vying for the Indiana House of Representatives and three for the Indiana State Senate. Among those candidates, include three MCYD members: Pete Cowden for Indiana Senate District 35, Belinda Drake for Indiana Senate District 32, and Mitch Gore for Indiana House District 89. Additionally, the organization is putting support behind Jonathan Weinzapfel, Democratic nominee for Attorney General, and Congressman André Carson representing Congressional District 7.

Each candidate sought the endorsement of MCYD and was endorsed based on their plans to improve the present and future of young Democrats in their district with a focus on access and affordability of healthcare and equity in education while confronting climate change and racial injustice. Additionally, their commitment to communicate transparently with constituents and align with the overall Democratic platform.

“There is more at stake in the 2020 elections than in any other election in our lifetimes. This moment is about protecting the institutions of our country and advancing the values that we hold most dear. That is why it is our honor to support these fine candidates up and down the ballot. Together, they will fight racial injustice, combat climate change, and help to ensure that the citizens of Indiana have fairer and better representation.” said Rebecca TeKolste, President of Marion County Young Democrats.

The endorsed candidates are as follow:

André Carson, United States Congressional District 7
Jonathan Weinzapfel, Indiana Attorney General
Pete Cowden, Indiana Senate District 35
Belinda Drake, Indiana Senate District 32
Ashley Eason, Indiana Senate District 36
Angela Elliott, Indiana House District 93
Pam Dechert, Indiana House District 88
Mitch Gore, Indiana House District 89

Candidates benefit from an organized Day of Action on behalf of their campaign, social media and email support, and get out the vote efforts. Candidates under 36 also received a $1,000 for state house races and $1,500 for state senate races, a total of $4,000 toward young Democrats on the ballot.

MCYD is an official chapter of the Indiana Young Democrats which supports young people all over the state to become active in Democratic politics and issue advocacy.

###