AGP Executive Report

Free Speech: A federal judge barred an Indiana Attorney General’s investigator from threatening a Bloomington man with legal sanctions over his “86 Todd Rokita” social media post, finding the man likely to succeed on his claim that the investigator tried to silence him. Election Watch: President Trump endorsed Republican Max Engling for secretary of state, as federal observers prepare to monitor voting in Marion and Lake counties. The move drew criticism from U.S. Rep. André Carson and Marion County officials; the Justice Department says observers will not interfere. Statehouse Shake-up: Republican Sen. Ron Alting says he will resign after allegations of shoplifting from Walmart stores, apologizing and citing changes in his judgment and thinking. Voting Charges: Attorney General Todd Rokita filed five voter-fraud counts against a Terre Haute-area resident accused of voting illegally; the allegations have not been proven. Data Center Debate: More than 50 Indiana counties now restrict data centers, and Tippecanoe County planners are advancing new limits as the issue surfaces in the secretary of state race.

Election Monitoring: The Justice Department plans to send observers to Marion and Lake counties on Election Day. Marion County officials called the selection partisan and want more information; DOJ says observers will not interfere with voting. Statehouse Fallout: State Sen. Ron Alting says he will resign after reelection amid shoplifting allegations, citing changes in his judgment and a medical evaluation. Voting Cases: Attorney General Todd Rokita filed felony charges against a Terre Haute-area man accused of voting illegally; the allegations have not been proven in court. Data Center Debate: More than half of Indiana counties have restricted or banned data center projects, making the issue a campaign talking point even in the secretary of state race, whose office has little direct authority over development. ACLU Turmoil: Four of the Indiana ACLU’s five principal attorneys have resigned amid a dispute over the organization’s direction, raising questions about its capacity to pursue legal challenges.

Statehouse Shake-Up: Republican Sen. Ron Alting says he is resigning after shoplifting allegations, citing ongoing medical evaluations for changes in his judgment and cognitive function. His name remains on the Nov. 3 ballot; if elected, party officials will choose his successor. Campaign Cash: Former Sen. Evan Bayh has transferred at least $2.4 million to Indiana Democrats, helping fund his son Beau’s secretary of state campaign. Beau Bayh has raised nearly $2.2 million since September, compared with about $840,000 for Republican Max Engling. Election 2026: Treasurer candidates Daniel Elliott and Coumba Kebe offer competing priorities, with Elliott touting investment earnings and Kebe calling for greater transparency. Early voting is underway, and reports say turnout is outpacing 2022. Government & Law: Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed five voter-fraud counts against a Terre Haute-area resident. Gov. Mike Braun also faces a lawsuit over his proposed Ten Commandments monument at the Statehouse. Road Funding: The state advanced $19.1 million for local road projects, along with a fourth reimbursement tied to the gas-tax holiday.

Senate Shake-up: State Sen. Ron Alting says he plans to resign if reelected, citing his health and family. The announcement follows shoplifting allegations he has previously addressed. Voting & Accountability: Indiana officials filed felony charges against a Terre Haute-area man accused of registering and voting in six elections while ineligible. A new survey also found government corruption is a top concern for one in four Indiana voters. Ballot Questions: Republican Rep. Chris Jeter is pitching Public Question 1, a proposed constitutional amendment that would let judges deny bail in more cases. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith released endorsements for 27 candidates and urged voters to weigh elections through a biblical lens. Data Center Pushback: More than half of Indiana counties now have moratoriums, rules or bans on data centers, even as state policy offers incentives to developers. Election Fight: Secretary of State candidate Greg Ballard is suing the Indiana Election Commission to press it to review campaign complaints. Public Spending: Gov. Mike Braun announced $19.1 million for local road funding, alongside another gas-tax-holiday reimbursement; Elkhart approved a $126.6 million 2027 budget after council cuts.

Election Watch: With Election Day two weeks away, a new poll finds one in four Indiana voters rank government corruption as a top concern. Voters will also decide whether to amend the state constitution to let judges deny bail to some people accused of violent crimes; Gov. Mike Braun is urging support. State Government: Braun backs a growing defense sector, including a new Kratos expansion in Daviess County, and the state approved $19.1 million for local road funding during its gas-tax holiday. Local Budgets: Indianapolis’ council approved a $1.9 billion 2027 budget, but Republican members voted against it, citing unmet priorities; Jennings County approved a nearly $28.9 million budget without raising taxes. Courts and Policing: A Marion County judge faulted prosecutors’ handling of cash forfeiture claims tied to Indianapolis’ FedEx hub, while allowing the practice to continue if authorities can show an Indiana crime. In Hammond, a federal judge is set to reconsider release for alleged gambling-ring leader James “Jimmy the Greek” Gerodemos. Development: Fort Wayne won nearly $600,000 for its vacant-lot housing program as local disputes over data centers and their impacts continue to surface statewide.

Statehouse and Courts: Gov. Mike Braun asked a federal court to let Indiana return a Ten Commandments monument to the Statehouse lawn, arguing later Supreme Court rulings undercut the injunction blocking it. President Donald Trump also nominated federal prosecutor Joseph Falvey for a Northern Indiana judgeship. Election 2026: One in four Indiana voters named government corruption a top concern, while forecasts suggest Republicans are likely to retain control of the state Senate. A survey also found Hoosiers oppose another redistricting effort. Energy and Jobs: Indiana signed an agreement with AtkinsRéalis to pursue 6 gigawatts of nuclear power, with no timeline set. Braun also announced new defense-sector investments and projects across the state. Data Centers: Hobart residents are awaiting a judge’s decision on whether to invalidate a fill permit for an Amazon data center site; the case adds to growing local scrutiny of data center development. Local Government: Indiana approved $19.1 million for local road projects during the gas tax holiday, and Indianapolis’ council passed a 2027 budget that includes $400 million for public safety.

House Races: Democrat Amy Huffman Oliver is challenging Republican Rep. Dave Hall in Indiana House District 62, a closely contested race targeted by Democrats hoping to break the GOP supermajority. Oliver says public school funding is a top concern. Redistricting: A new poll finds 56% of Hoosiers want lawmakers to wait until after the 2030 census to redraw congressional maps; 30% support an earlier redraw. Indiana Republicans’ 2025 mid-decade redistricting push failed. Data Centers: Fort Wayne City Council rejected proposals for a review commission and a moratorium on future projects. Statewide, data center costs and opposition are emerging as issues in legislative races. Election Choices: Hoosiers will decide whether judges can deny bail in more cases, while competitive state Senate contests include races in northwest Indiana and suburban Indianapolis. Indianapolis Budget: The City-County Council approved a $1.9 billion 2027 budget, including $400 million for public safety.

Voting Rules: Early voting is underway, and some Indiana school board candidates now carry optional party labels. Straight-ticket voters should check whether those local races are included on their ballot. Campaign Battles: Data-center opposition is emerging as an issue in targeted Indiana House races. Secretary of state candidates Beau Bayh and Max Engling are also sparring over debate access and campaign ads. Redistricting: A new poll finds most Hoosiers oppose another attempt to redraw Indiana’s congressional map before 2028. Bail Amendment: Voters will decide whether judges may deny bail to people deemed dangerous. Supporters cite safeguards; critics warn the change could jail people before conviction. Federal Courts: President Donald Trump nominated Northern District of Indiana Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Falvey, a Notre Dame graduate, for a federal judgeship. Sens. Todd Young and Jim Banks support his confirmation.

Nuclear Power: X-energy, AEP and Amazon will study a 960-megawatt reactor project near the retired Breed plant in Sullivan County, with Amazon funding feasibility work. Election Watch: Early voting is underway as Indiana’s secretary of state candidates debate voting reforms and business services. Republican nominee Max Engling is making a fast jump from congressional staff work to a statewide race. Bail Amendment: Voters statewide will decide Public Question 1, which would let judges deny bail when prosecutors show strong evidence and argue no release conditions can protect public safety. Farm Property Taxes: Indiana Farm Bureau says agricultural building assessments rose an estimated 29% after appeals, adding about $2 billion in assessed value, and is urging lawmakers to overhaul the valuation system. Voter Concerns: A recent poll found government corruption is a top concern for one in four Indiana voters.

Midterm Turnout: Indiana rallies in Bloomington, Valparaiso, Corydon and outside the governor’s residence urged voters to cast ballots early. Young voters remain a concern: just 9.7% of early voters in Indianapolis during the first eight days were ages 18 to 29, despite making up about 23% of eligible voters. Election Oversight: Indiana’s secretary of state candidates debated voting reforms and business services as candidate Greg Ballard sued the Indiana Election Commission, seeking action on campaign-finance complaints. Voter Mood: A statewide poll found government corruption was a top concern for one in four voters, with Hoosiers also expressing disapproval of President Trump and Gov. Mike Braun. Local Budgets: Jennings County Council approved a $28.9 million 2027 budget without raising taxes, cutting nearly $3 million from departmental requests. State Policy: Indiana lawmakers missed a deadline to act on skill-game regulation, leaving the games’ future uncertain.

Early Voting Push: No Kings rallies in Indiana, including outside the governor’s residence and in Valparaiso and Corydon, urged Hoosiers to vote early ahead of the November midterms. Voter Concerns: A new poll found government corruption tops concerns for one in four Indiana voters, while Hoosiers disapprove of President Trump and Gov. Mike Braun. Health Coverage: AmeriHealth Caritas plans to enter the ACA marketplace in seven central Indiana counties for 2027, adding a choice as open enrollment begins Nov. 1; premiums have not been announced. State Government: Braun announced a new facility for Hoosiers with disabilities in southwest Indiana and low-interest loans for residents and businesses recovering from June’s severe weather.

Early Voting: “No Kings: Vote Early” rallies drew crowds in Indianapolis, Corydon, Valparaiso and other Indiana communities Saturday, urging turnout ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Statehouse Races: Sabato’s Crystal Ball shifted its outlook on 10 legislative chambers toward Democrats; Indiana’s House is still expected to stay Republican, but Democrats could cut into the GOP majority or supermajority. Voter Concerns: A Free Press Indiana poll found government corruption was the top concern for 24% of Hoosiers, followed by inflation and the cost of living at 20%; separate polling reported dissatisfaction with Gov. Mike Braun and President Donald Trump. Data-Center Debate: Indiana regulators approved AES Indiana’s $1.3 billion solar, storage and transmission plan tied to Google’s Monrovia data center, as opposition to data-center growth emerges as a campaign issue.

Midterm Politics: A new poll finds President Trump’s approval slipping in Indiana, with many Hoosiers also dissatisfied with Gov. Mike Braun. Secretary of State candidates are outlining their plans, but only two were invited to next week’s televised debate. Election Watch: Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell is pushing back against false claims that poll-worker marks invalidate ballots; she says the required initials and signatures are part of the process. Fraud Case: A Lowell woman faces 42 felony and three misdemeanor charges in an alleged scheme that sold fake expungement services to clients of a Merrillville law firm. State Government: Attorney General Todd Rokita has sued members of the state’s attorney-discipline commission, alleging a campaign to silence him. Separately, officials estimate about 58,000 Hoosiers could lose Medicaid coverage when work requirements begin in January.

Voter Mood: A poll of more than 800 likely voters found 54% disapprove of President Donald Trump’s performance, while 44% approve; Hoosiers also expressed dissatisfaction with Gov. Mike Braun and the state’s direction. Secretary of State Race: Democrat Beau Bayh leads Republican Max Engling 43% to 35% in the poll. Only those two were invited to a televised debate after the other candidates fell short of the 10% polling threshold; Greg Ballard is suing the Indiana Election Commission to force action on complaints against his rivals. Election Concerns: One in four Indiana voters named government corruption as a top concern, while data-center opposition is emerging as a potential issue in legislative races. Public Accountability: Porter County Superior Court Judge Christopher Buckley faces judicial misconduct charges following an OWI conviction; allegations include keeping beer at the courthouse and invoking his judicial status during his arrest. Fraud Investigation: A Lowell woman faces 42 felony and three misdemeanor charges after a three-year investigation into alleged fake expungement orders, forged signatures and misuse of client funds.

Secretary of State Race: Democrat Beau Bayh leads Republican Max Engling 43% to 35% in a new poll, with 11% undecided. Candidate Greg Ballard is suing the Indiana Election Commission to force review of campaign-finance complaints against rivals. Voter Concerns: A separate poll found government corruption tops the concerns of one in four Indiana voters, while Hoosiers also voiced disapproval of Gov. Mike Braun and data centers. Data Center Debate: Democrats are making energy costs and tax incentives for data centers a campaign issue in targeted House races, hoping to break the GOP’s supermajority; Republicans say the attacks misrepresent their votes and local governments control approvals. On the Ballot: Hoosiers will decide a constitutional amendment expanding judges’ authority to deny bail when prosecutors show a serious safety risk. State Policy: A proposed Safe Haven bill would require Indiana schools to teach students about the state’s Safe Haven Law.

Election-Year Mood: A new Indiana poll found government corruption is the top concern for one in four voters, while other recent polling points to dissatisfaction with President Trump and Gov. Mike Braun. Secretary of State Race: Candidates are stepping up their campaigns before Nov. 3. Lincoln Party candidate Greg Ballard has also sued the Indiana Election Commission, seeking action on campaign-finance complaints. Privacy and Policing: Bloomington’s City Council voted 7-0 to ban city use of automated license plate readers and access to data collected by other agencies. Local Finance: Porter County officials are weighing changes to local income taxes to offset property-tax revenue losses under state law. Broadband: Indiana can pursue another round of federal broadband grants after finalizing more than $400 million in awards to providers, with projects expected to reach over 100,000 homes and businesses.