Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl Will Not Seek Reelection

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl announced on Saturday that he will not seek reelection when his term ends in March 2024.

Schmuhl, who has led the state party since 2021, previously managed Pete Buttigieg’s 2020 presidential campaign and was a key strategist in former U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly’s (D-Ind.) successful 2010 campaign.

In his statement, Schmuhl reflected on the challenges and successes of leading a party in a predominantly Republican state. “I know how hard it can be to be a Democrat in Indiana, and over the past four years, we have placed our party on a path to future success,” he said.

Schmuhl highlighted key accomplishments during his tenure, including Democratic mayoral victories in Terre Haute, Evansville, and Michigan City; a tripling of overall donors; and securing national funding for Indiana Democrats, especially for this year’s gubernatorial race.

“More Hoosiers have a Democratic mayor now than they did last year,” Schmuhl added. “I want to thank Hoosier Democrats for allowing me to do this work, and I look forward to the day when Indiana has a more balanced government to serve the people of our great state.”

Schmuhl did not elaborate on the reasons for his decision to step aside but emphasized his optimism for the party’s future.

Timing of the Announcement

The decision comes at a pivotal moment for the Indiana Democratic Party. Just over a week ago, Indiana Republican Party Chair Randy Head also announced his resignation, citing a desire to return full-time to his lobbyist role before the upcoming legislative session.

Schmuhl’s announcement also follows recent reforms within the Democratic Party, including the adoption of a new code of conduct and the creation of an ethics committee. These changes were prompted by sexual harassment allegations against a Democratic official, which led to calls for accountability from dozens of party members.

The Indiana Democratic Party’s state committee will elect Schmuhl’s successor on March 15, 2024. The new chair will inherit a party that has made some local gains but still faces an uphill battle in a state dominated by Republicans at the state and federal levels.

With a high-stakes gubernatorial race on the horizon and the party’s internal reforms still fresh, the leadership transition could shape the direction of Indiana Democrats for years to come.