Urban Indiana

Black leaders want answers after state Democratic Party's director says she was fired

Some Black leaders are seeking an explanation from Indiana Democratic Party brass after ZeNai Brooks says she was abruptly fired from her role as the state party's executive director. 

News of her departure, which was first reported by political commentator Abdul Hakim-Shabazz in his "Cheat Sheet" newsletter, came as a surprise to her supporters.

"I would like a lot more answers on this," Lindsay Brown, state president of the Indiana Democrat African American Caucus, told IBJ. "I'm not happy with it. I think she was a great asset to the party, especially in building diversity and inclusion and working with minority groups like mine."

A spokesperson for the Indiana Democratic Party said the organization does not comment on personnel issues. In a memo to members of the party's State Central Committee, Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl thanked Brooks for her service to the party, according to a party official.

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/black-leaders-want-answers-after-state-democratic-partys-director-says-she-was-fired

Hatfield won't seek re-election; running for judge instead


A seventh House member announced he will not seek re-election in the fall, joining the growing list of House members opting to pursue other opportunities.

Evansville Rep. Ryan Hatfield, a Democrat, announced Thursday he will run for Vanderburgh County Circuit Court Judge, making 2024 his last session after seven years in the General Assembly.

"Serving the people of Evansville as their State Representative in the Indiana General Assembly has been one of the great honors of my life," Hatfield said in a statement. "I want to thank the constituents of House District 77 for allowing me to be their voice at the Statehouse since 2016. During my time in the legislature, I was proud to work on improving health care, expanding broadband, and an array of issues directly impacting Hoosiers."

More below:
https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/articles/hatfield-wont-seek-re-election-running-for-judge-instead

Indy Democrats strategize ways to defeat state Senate Republican nemesis Aaron Freeman

Some Indianapolis Democrats are looking for a candidate, raising money and strategizing other ways to defeat a Republican state senator who has been a frequent thorn in their sides.

Aaron Freeman, a Senate Republican and former Indianapolis city-county councilor, has become known for frequent legislation that seeks to derail policies and plans implemented by Democrat-controlled city-county government in Indianapolis and its public transit agency, IndyGo.

Now a group of Democrats are seeking to unseat the south-side attorney as he tries to secure a third term. He faces no opposition in the May 7 Republican primary and no Democrat has yet filed to run in the primary.

About 40 people assembled Thursday night at Futuro, a pizza shop off of Washington Street, for a strategy session to help find a candidate that the Marion County Democratic Party could put on the ballot by the November election.

"We're going to unseat Aaron Freeman," newly-elected Indianapolis City-County Councilor Jesse Brown told the crowd. "And I promise you we have the power to do that regardless of the money that he's got."

More below:
https://www.ibj.com/articles/group-of-indianapolis-democrats-organizes-to-oust-gop-lawmaker