Record Number of Democrats File for Indiana Legislative Seats

Local party leaders react to increased Democratic candidate filings ahead of 2026 elections

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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With Indiana's candidate filing deadline now passed, both political parties in Allen County are reacting to a record number of Democrats running for seats in the state Legislature. According to the Indiana Democratic Party, Democrats filed candidates in all 25 state Senate races on the ballot this year and in 91 of 100 state House districts, marking the first time since the 1970s that Democrats have contested every Senate seat in a single election cycle.

Why it matters

The increase in Democratic candidates reflects growing frustration among voters who want their communities to be safe places to raise families, according to local party leaders. Democrats believe voters are ready for change after years of one-party control at the Statehouse, while Republicans downplay the significance of the filing numbers, noting many districts have historically leaned Republican.

The details

Locally, Allen County Democratic Party Chair Chad Wierzbinski said the increase in Democratic candidates reflects voters' desire for their communities to be safe and prosperous. Republicans, however, dismissed the significance of the filing numbers, with Allen County Republican Party Chair Steve Shine noting that more names on the ballot do not necessarily translate to competitive races. Several local Democrats are on the ballot this year, including House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta of Fort Wayne, who is seeking re-election, and Democrats Chloe Andis and Julie McGill who have filed to run for State Senate District 15, which is currently held by a Republican.

  • Indiana's candidate filing deadline has now passed.
  • The Indiana primary election is set for May 5th, 2026.

The players

Chad Wierzbinski

Chair of the Allen County Democratic Party.

Steve Shine

Chair of the Allen County Republican Party.

Phil GiaQuinta

House Democratic Leader from Fort Wayne, Indiana, seeking re-election.

Chloe Andis

Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate District 15.

Julie McGill

Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate District 15.

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What they’re saying

“They want their communities to be safe places where they can raise their families and have a life, and that's under attack right now, and so we clearly have a lot of people who are interested in running for office to make Indiana a better place for everybody.”

— Chad Wierzbinski, Allen County Democratic Party Chair (wane.com)

“Historically, they've had very few candidates. So, when they have just a couple more here and there, that in itself adds to the thought that they now have a historical number. When you start at the bottom and you add a very few, that becomes historical just by the fact that you have that addition to it.”

— Steve Shine, Allen County Republican Party Chair (wane.com)

What’s next

Indiana's primary election is set for May 5th, 2026, where voters will choose the Democratic and Republican nominees for state legislative seats.

The takeaway

The record number of Democratic candidates filing for Indiana legislative seats reflects growing political engagement and a desire for change among voters, though the ultimate competitiveness of the races remains to be seen. The 2026 elections will be a key test of the state's political landscape and the ability of both parties to mobilize their supporters.