DECISION 2024

Why you should consider voting in the 

Republican primary

Many races, including the governor, will likely be decided on May 7, not November 5.

FACT #1

Any Hoosier can vote in the Republican primary.

Indiana voters are not registered by party, so you may legally vote in either party’s primary. If you’re registered, all you have to do is ask for the Republican ballot. How you vote is protected by law, so no one is entitled to question you about your choices.

Republicans have historically won most statewide offices.

FACT #2

Participating in the Republican primary gives Democrats, Libertarians, and independents a say in selecting nominees who are likely to be elected, thus shaping policies affecting our state and local communities.

FACT #3

Voting in the Republican primary can help fight extremism.

By asking for a Republican ballot, voters can strategically support more moderate or centrist candidates who may curb the influence of fringe ideologies and promote more balanced representation.

Key races to watch

We’ve identified five races where higher participation in the Republican primary could considerably affect the outcome.

  • Governor

  • Indiana House District 24 (Zionsville, West Clay)

  • Indiana Senate District 24 (west of Indianapolis)

  • Indiana House District 29 (Noblesville)

  • Indiana House District 53 (Hancock County)

  • Indiana House District 90 (Franklin Township)

  • There are currently six candidates running in the Republican primary, whereas the Democratic and Libertarian parties both have presumptive nominees. They are:

    • Mike Braun, U.S. Senator from Indiana, Republican

    • Brad Chambers, former Indiana Secretary of Commerce, Republican

    • Suzanne Crouch, Lieutenant Governor of Indiana, Republican

    • Eric Doden, former president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Republican

    • Curtis Hill, former Indiana Attorney General, Republican

    • Jamie Reitenour, businesswoman, Republican

    • Jennifer McCormick, former Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Democrat

    • Donald Rainwater, software engineer, Libertarian

  • There are currently two candidates running in the Republican primary and a presumptive nominee in the Democratic primary. They are:

    • Bill Gutrich, Republican

    • Hunter Smith, Republican

    • Josh Lowry, Democrat

  • There are currently two candidates running in the Republican primary and a presumptive nominee in the Democratic primary. They are:

    • Brett Clark, Republican

    • Anne Engelhardt, Republican

    • Veronica Pejril, Democrat

  • Currently, two candidates are running in the Republican primary, and there is a presumptive nominee in the Democratic primary. They are:

    • Laura Alerding, Republican

    • Alaina Shonkwiler, Republican

    • Christopher Hartig, Democrat

  • This race has four candidates running in the Republican primary, and there is a presumptive nominee in the Democratic primary. They are:

  • District 90 has four candidates in the Republican primary, and there is a presumptive nominee in the Democratic primary. They are:

What to do next

We’ve put together three actions you can do today. Click to expand the sections below for more information on each action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ethical for me to try to influence the other party's primary outcome?

Yes! Hoosiers deserve a real choice in their elections, and greater participation in primaries signals to candidates that they must appeal to a broader spectrum of voters, including opposing parties. This could lead to more moderate and inclusive campaign platforms.

Will my vote in the Republican primary affect my ability to vote in the Democratic primary or general election?

You can only vote in one party’s primary per election; however, this does not affect your ability to vote in the other party’s primary in the future or to vote for any candidate in the general election.

Can I really make a difference in the outcome of the Republican primary?

Yes! There are several examples of recent Indiana primaries thought to have been affected by Democrats and independents participating in Republican primaries.

How can I make sure I am making an informed choice when voting in the Republican primary?

You can research candidates’ policy positions on their websites, and their voting records (if available). Seek input from trusted sources, such as reputable news sources, political analysts, and community leaders for insights and perspectives on the candidates and their campaigns.