Indy Politics Podcast with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

With a little more than 100 days to go before the November election, Democratic Secretary of State nominee Beau Bayh tells Indy Politics why he’s calling for an independent audit of the office, blasting what he calls corruption and incompetence under Diego Morales and tying Republican nominee Max Engling to the same political machine.

The Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute (IFPI) discussed Indiana's $1.1 billion surplus and $4 billion in reserves. Stephanie Wells highlighted that revenues exceeded budgeted expenditures by $1.855 billion, with reserves at 16.5%, slightly above the recommended 10-15%. The surplus is primarily from sales taxes, which contribute 45-50% of state revenue. The discussion also covered the impact of Senate Enrolled Act One on property taxes, the potential for local government consolidation, and the need for long-term solutions for transportation funding, including toll roads and vehicle miles traveled taxes.

Ruckelshaus Proposes Statewide ‘Water Czar by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Marion County Libertarians are in open revolt against their own leadership. In a tense, standing-room-only meeting, members voted to call a special convention to decide whether to remove the county chair after weeks of controversy over his rhetoric, strategy, and comments about ballot access. Long‑time activists say they’ve been “limping this party along” with little help, while the chair argues he’s been “throwing grenades” to shake the party out of complacency and take the fight to the Marion County GOP. In this episode of Indy Politics, we break down what happened in the room, why Libertarians are so divided over message and tactics, and what the August 8 convention could mean for third‑party politics in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announces his veto of Proposal 192, the City-County Council's increase to the county vehicle excise surtax and wheel tax, in a recorded message released July 16, 2026. Prop 192 would have taken most Marion County drivers from $10-$50 a year to a flat $100, with a $240 wheel tax on heavier vehicle classes, raising about $70 million a year starting Jan. 1, 2027. The council passed it 14-10 on July 6. An override takes 17 of 25 votes. Hogsett says the increase is more than stretched households can absorb, and that his administration will meet the state's $50 million annual road funding match without it.

A day that started with good fiscal news at the Statehouse ended in a fight over minority contracting. Comptroller Elise Nieshalla and state budget officials rolled out Indiana's FY 2026 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report — a AAA rating, a $1.6 billion surplus, and restored Medicaid reserves. Gov. Mike Braun touted a $2 billion upside and announced the state will unwind race- and sex-conscious contracting provisions following Attorney General Todd Rokita's opinion that they're unconstitutional. House Democrats Greg Porter and Ed DeLaney weren't buying it. Listen to all of it here.

A day that started with good fiscal news at the Statehouse ended in a fight over minority contracting. Comptroller Elise Nieshalla and state budget officials rolled out Indiana's FY 2026 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report — a AAA rating, a $1.6 billion surplus, and restored Medicaid reserves. Gov. Mike Braun touted a $2 billion upside and announced the state will unwind race- and sex-conscious contracting provisions following Attorney General Todd Rokita's opinion that they're unconstitutional. House Democrats Greg Porter and Ed DeLaney weren't buying it. Listen to all of it here.

A day that started with good fiscal news at the Statehouse ended in a fight over minority contracting. Comptroller Elise Nieshalla and state budget officials rolled out Indiana's FY 2026 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report — a AAA rating, a $1.6 billion surplus, and restored Medicaid reserves. Gov. Mike Braun touted a $2 billion upside and announced the state will unwind race- and sex-conscious contracting provisions following Attorney General Todd Rokita's opinion that they're unconstitutional. House Democrats Greg Porter and Ed DeLaney weren't buying it. Listen to all of it here.

Greg Ballard, an independent candidate for Secretary of State in Indiana, announced he has collected over 41,299 valid signatures, surpassing the required 2% threshold to establish a new political party for independents. The campaign collected signatures from 71 of Indiana's 92 counties, with significant contributions from various regions. Ballard emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging not to endorse or fundraise for other candidates. He criticized the current political system and called for a shift towards voter empowerment and genuine representation.

Greg Ballard, an independent candidate for Secretary of State in Indiana, announced he has collected over 41,299 valid signatures, surpassing the required 2% threshold to establish a new political party for independents. The campaign collected signatures from 71 of Indiana's 92 counties, with significant contributions from various regions. Ballard emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability, pledging not to endorse or fundraise for other candidates. He criticized the current political system and called for a shift towards voter empowerment and genuine representation.

State Representative JD Prescott’ talks about his ambitious proposal to scrap Indiana’s traditional property tax system and replace it with a higher sales tax on services.

Michael Paul Hart, East Side City County Councilor, discussed his vote against the wheel tax, citing constituent feedback and lack of spending cuts. He highlighted issues with the tax's structure, including a flat $100 fee and no indexing. Hart also addressed the curfew extension for 17-year-olds, noting juvenile crime incidents. He criticized the Office of Public Health and Safety (OPHS) for a $45 million unaccounted budget and proposed accountability measures, which were rejected by Democrats. Hart emphasized the need for budget cuts and tax levies to manage spending and proposed measures to address public safety and financial transparency.

JD Ford, a state senator and candidate for Congress in Indiana's fifth district, discussed his campaign against Victoria Sparks. Ford emphasized the urgency of addressing affordability issues, including high gas prices, utility costs, and healthcare. He highlighted his efforts to pass a bipartisan housing bill and reduce healthcare costs, such as capping insulin prices. Ford criticized Sparks for supporting policies that raise the deficit and harm rural hospitals. He raised over $360,000 in the second quarter and stressed the importance of grassroots support to counter Sparks' significant financial resources.

Wheel Tax - Andy Nielson by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Wheel Tax - Brian Mowery by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

There’s a new sheriff candidate in town. Marion County Republicans have tapped Southport Police Chief Tom Vaughn, a 30–year law enforcement veteran, to run for Marion County Sheriff in one of the most challenging political environments in the state.

The Sons of Svengoolie and Socey celebrates America’s 250th birthday by honoring the 48th anniversary of TV horror host Son of Svengoolie. Film critic and WFYI host Matthew Socey recalls growing up on rubber-suited monsters, bad puns, and late-night creature features that shaped his love of cinema. From championing oddball movies to starring in a local production of “1776,” Socey proves that America’s pop culture is as important as its parchment.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun says “affordability is my top priority” as he extends Indiana’s suspension of the gasoline usage and excise taxes for another 30 days, promising Hoosiers “the cheapest gas in America” over the July 4th holiday. In this episode, we break down Braun’s claims about gas tax relief, the state’s budget surplus, and what it all means for Indiana’s roads and long‑term infrastructure.

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard turned in his final batch of petition signatures this week, telling reporters his independent run for Indiana Secretary of State under the new Lincoln Party banner has already cleared the ballot-access hurdle that, in his telling, both major parties built to keep newcomers out.

Voting-rights advocate Julia Vaughn says Indiana’s political class is pouring energy into imagined threats at the ballot box while ignoring the real work of making elections fairer and more competitive. In a follow-up conversation after a federal judge blocked the state’s attempt to use the federal SAVE immigration database to purge alleged non-citizen voters, Vaughn, executive director of Common Cause Indiana, said the ruling is just one skirmish in a much larger fight over how Hoosiers vote and who gets a voice.

As summer begins and outdoor activity increases, Indianapolis officials and community leaders are confronting renewed concerns about crime, even as data show violent crime trending downward compared to historic highs. In a recent interview, Reverend Charles Harrison of the Indianapolis Ten Point Coalition said citywide numbers for non-fatal shootings, stabbings, homicides, and criminal homicides are lower than the peak years of 2021 and 2022, when Indianapolis recorded more than 200 homicides annually for several consecutive years.

Nine hundred delegates picked a nominee in Fort Wayne. Greg Ballard says he's got 52,000 signatures that say otherwise. Indy Politics hears from new GOP secretary of state nominee Max Engling and independent challenger Greg Ballard on what the fall race for Indiana's elections chief is really about — closed primaries, party unity, and whether an independent can crack a ticket the GOP has swept since 2014.

Nine hundred delegates picked a nominee in Fort Wayne. Greg Ballard says he's got 52,000 signatures that say otherwise. Indy Politics hears from new GOP secretary of state nominee Max Engling and independent challenger Greg Ballard on what the fall race for Indiana's elections chief is really about — closed primaries, party unity, and whether an independent can crack a ticket the GOP has swept since 2014.

State Rep. Danny Lopez, a Republican from Indiana House District 39, told members of the Greater Lawrence Chamber of Commerce that Indiana’s long‑term economic health will depend on smarter tax policy, honest advocacy, and deeper engagement between schools and employers.

With party conventions approaching and political temperatures rising, Indy Politics devoted a recent segment to the state of civility in local politics, featuring Alexandra (Lexi) Hudson, author of The Soul of Civility and founder of Civic Renaissance. The conversation focused on how social media is reshaping local discourse and what ordinary residents can do to foster more respectful engagement.

The debate over data centers in Indianapolis isn’t slowing down anytime soon, and the latest flashpoint is on the east side, at the old Ford plant in the East Gate area. City-County Councilor Michael Paul Hart (District 20) joined us to walk through what’s really going on — and to separate fact from political performance.

Indiana faith leaders and elected officials gathered at the Statehouse this week to denounce what they describe as dangerous, hate-fueled rhetoric from the state’s lieutenant governor and to urge Governor Eric Holcomb to publicly reaffirm that Indiana protects religious freedom for all communities.

The National Taxpayers Union (NTU) says Hoosier taxpayers and utility customers can be “victors, not victims” in the AI and data center boom—if state and local officials handle policy correctly.

Beau Bayh captured the Indiana Democratic nomination for Secretary of State Saturday, defeating Blythe Potter 1,383 to 885 — a 61–39 split on 2,269 ballots cast, with one blank. The Treasurer and Comptroller nominations were uncontested.

The Chicago Bears' stadium saga, from both sides of the state line. Illinois broadcaster Patrick Pfingsten breaks down the chaotic end of the legislative session and why no deal got across the finish line — then Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott makes Indiana's case, laying out the $1.3–1.4 billion offer and why he expects a yes or no from the Bears by June 30. Plus, McDermott on Saturday's Democratic state convention, the Bayh-Potter Secretary of State fight, and why he's rooting for more than two parties.

The Chicago Bears' stadium saga, from both sides of the state line. Illinois broadcaster Patrick Pfingsten breaks down the chaotic end of the legislative session and why no deal got across the finish line — then Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott makes Indiana's case, laying out the $1.3–1.4 billion offer and why he expects a yes or no from the Bears by June 30. Plus, McDermott on Saturday's Democratic state convention, the Bayh-Potter Secretary of State fight, and why he's rooting for more than two parties.

Indy CCC - Andy Nielsen by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Indy CCC - Jared Evans by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Former Indiana Secretary of State Ed Simcox joins Abdul to talk about his new memoir, In the Room, and why the 2026 secretary of state's race feels like a rerun. The Bayh name back on the ballot, a 24-year GOP run in the governor's office, and a convention scramble headed to Fort Wayne — Simcox, who chaired 20 state conventions, explains why party endorsements can backfire and why 1,800 delegates won't be told how to vote. Grab a cigar and a club soda. Watch for Rod Serling.

Former Indiana Secretary of State Ed Simcox joins Abdul to talk about his new memoir, In the Room, and why the 2026 secretary of state's race feels like a rerun. The Bayh name back on the ballot, a 24-year GOP run in the governor's office, and a convention scramble headed to Fort Wayne — Simcox, who chaired 20 state conventions, explains why party endorsements can backfire and why 1,800 delegates won't be told how to vote. Grab a cigar and a club soda. Watch for Rod Serling.

Simcox on SOS - Part 2 by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

Three of the four announced Republican candidates for Indiana Secretary of State made their pitch to convention delegates Wednesday night in Hancock County – but one of them didn’t stick around. Incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales was the first to address the crowd and the first to exit. He left the event at approximately 6:48 p.m., shortly after his remarks concluded, and did not stay to mingle with or take questions from delegates.

Three of the four announced Republican candidates for Indiana Secretary of State made their pitch to convention delegates Wednesday night in Hancock County – but one of them didn’t stick around. Incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales was the first to address the crowd and the first to exit. He left the event at approximately 6:48 p.m., shortly after his remarks concluded, and did not stay to mingle with or take questions from delegates.

Three of the four announced Republican candidates for Indiana Secretary of State made their pitch to convention delegates Wednesday night in Hancock County – but one of them didn’t stick around. Incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales was the first to address the crowd and the first to exit. He left the event at approximately 6:48 p.m., shortly after his remarks concluded, and did not stay to mingle with or take questions from delegates.

Indy Politics talks with Tammy Silverman, President and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute, about helping kids transition from school to summer. They discuss why routines still matter, the role of summer jobs and camps, sleep and screen time, year‑round schooling, and how caring adults and a sense of belonging act as protective factors for youth mental health in Indiana.

Indiana Black Expo is restructuring its annual Circle City Classic, ending the organization's longstanding practice of hosting a paid HBCU football matchup at Lucas Oil Stadium while preserving the surrounding slate of community events, IBE President and CEO Alice Watson said in an interview this week.

Nick Roberts, an Indianapolis city-county councilor and self-described data geek, joins Abdul to break down the surprising Democratic surge in Indiana’s recent primary. They dig into why traditionally red suburbs and counties are suddenly seeing more Democratic ballots, and how MAGA-aligned groups and anti-incumbent sentiment reshaped key races. Roberts explains why these numbers should have Republicans worried heading into November — and why Democrats think they finally have a real opening in Indiana.

Andrea Hunley details why she’s running for Indianapolis mayor, from a new governing style and data-driven outreach to her plans for the city’s budget, schools, and growth.

One served a Republican president. The other served a Democrat. Both came to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Wednesday morning with the same warning: the bipartisan rush to redraw congressional maps between censuses is corrosive to American democracy, and someone needs to break the fever.

One served a Republican president. The other served a Democrat. Both came to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Wednesday morning with the same warning: the bipartisan rush to redraw congressional maps between censuses is corrosive to American democracy, and someone needs to break the fever.

One served a Republican president. The other served a Democrat. Both came to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Wednesday morning with the same warning: the bipartisan rush to redraw congressional maps between censuses is corrosive to American democracy, and someone needs to break the fever.

The Indianapolis City-County Council voted 21-2 Monday night to approve Proposal No. 99, moving juvenile curfew hours earlier in Marion County and reviving a tool the council first deployed last summer in response to youth gun violence.

The Indianapolis City-County Council voted 21-2 Monday night to approve Proposal No. 99, moving juvenile curfew hours earlier in Marion County and reviving a tool the council first deployed last summer in response to youth gun violence.

The Indianapolis City-County Council voted 21-2 Monday night to approve Proposal No. 99, moving juvenile curfew hours earlier in Marion County and reviving a tool the council first deployed last summer in response to youth gun violence.

The Indianapolis City-County Council voted 21-2 Monday night to approve Proposal No. 99, moving juvenile curfew hours earlier in Marion County and reviving a tool the council first deployed last summer in response to youth gun violence.