Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signaled a growing willingness to legalize marijuana, noting the Hoosier State is “surrounded” by states that have legalized the drug to some degree.

Illinois, Michigan and Ohio allow recreational use, while Kentucky has authorized medicinal.

“I’m going to do what makes sense,” Braun told reporters Tuesday. “I’ve said law enforcement will be important. I’ve been talking to them, and now, the amount of traffic that crosses the border, you know, it’s noticeable. So, all of that will be taken into consideration.”

[caption id="attachment_130576" align="alignright" width="204"] Mike Braun[/caption]

President Donald Trump’s administration this week rescheduled medical marijuana — subject to a state license — to a less restrictive category, but kept recreational use in the list of drugs with the highest potential for abuse. But the administration has also kicked off an expedited administrative hearing process to consider reconsider that classification.

“I think the fact that the feds made that move, that makes it more likely,” Braun said.

“You’re going to need to ask the legislators and the leaders in those two chambers to see what they’re thinking, because I’m clear in terms of where I’m at,” he continued. “You’ve got to take what’s evolved over time. (If you) stick your head in the sand, you’re generally going to make the wrong decision.”

As a gubernatorial candidate in 2024, Braun said he was possibly willing to consider allowing medical-use sales, but not recreational, Fox59 reported.

The governor’s comments on Tuesday came shortly before the release of a study on the current status of marijuana and other intoxicating cannabinoids in Indiana, and another study on considerations for marijuana regulations if the state decided to ease up on the drug.

The pair of reports were conducted by RAND on behalf of the Richard Fairbanks Foundation, which seeks to advance health, education and more in the city of Indianapolis.

Emi Whitesell, the vice president of impact and evaluation, said Fairbanks commissioned the research in 2024 to fill a gap in reliable data centered on Indiana.

“We don’t have a position,” Whitesell said of marijuana legalization. “This is purely informative. We know there have been so many conversations … about potentially changing our marijuana policies. … It’s so complex and it’s sometimes hard to get really good data and really good information about it.”

Much of the research on legalization focuses on states that already have already authorized the drug for medicinal use, unlike Indiana, the foundation found.

The Hoosier State is one of 10 states that haven’t legalized medical marijuana, let alone recreational.

Despite that, residents can access intoxicating cannabinoids and marijuana itelf relatively easily, according to Fairbanks.

That’s because Indiana hasn’t banned or regulated the sale of products with delta-8 THC, THCA or other intoxicating cannabinoids. State legislative efforts have failed repeatedly. Now, such products are “ubiquitous,” researchers wrote. A federal ban will go into effect in November, although several bills have been filed to delay that.

Additionally, researchers found that 44% of Hoosiers, or nearly 3 million people, live within a 50-mile drive of at least one licensed dispensary in another state. A whopping 96%, or 5.6 million people, live within a 100-mile drive.

“In practical terms, almost all Hoosiers who wish to purchase cannabis from a retail store can do so with a round-trip drive of fewer than four hours,” they wrote.

Researchers estimated that residents spend about $1.8 billion on marijuana annually, and that Indiana’s criminal justice system spends $10 million-$20 million on enforcement annually.

They also explored a range of policy routes Indiana could pursue.

The first, in which the state maintains its prohibition, involves no change.

The state could also reduce criminal penalties for marijuana possession by directing law enforcement to treat it as low priority, reduce fines or jail time, or eliminate criminal penalties for small amounts in favor of civil citations. The state could make it easier to expunge or seal past convictions for possession, or even automatically perform those actions for convictions after a set period.

Indiana could also join the 24 states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Researchers laid out 14 major policy decisions leaders would have to make, including: who could grow, refine and sell marijuana; at what level to tax marijuana and more.

All of those policy levels would figure into a medical marijuana system, according to Fairbanks, along with four more considerations: what conditions qualify for use, what medical professionals could recommend someone obtain a license, the cost of a license and who could procure the marijuana for patients who can’t travel to buy it or grow it at home themselves.

The state and local governments would still spend money on enforcement even if marijuana is legalized in some form, researchers noted. Driving under the influence and possessing the drug underage would likely remain banned, for instance. New costs could include licensing, inspections, testing and more.

But legalization could bring in $180 million in tax revenue annually by the fifth year, researchers estimated — or 1% of the state’s $18 billion General Fund. Revenue depends on a variety of factors, however, and could range from $100 million at the low end to $270 million at the high end.

Reporter Mackenzi Klemann contributed.

[caption id="attachment_130578" align="aligncenter" width="749"] The map, courtesy of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, shows the large number of dispensaries located just outside of the Indiana state line.[/caption]

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The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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About 14,000 additional low-income children could soon nab vouchers for free and reduced-cost child care under a $200 million proposal announced Tuesday by Gov. Mike Braun’s administration.

The administration will ask the State Budget Committee to let it divert $200 million from the General Fund to another account — created to cover underfunding in other agencies — and use the money to reopen admissions for a key child care program.

The Child Care and Development Fund is a state-administered federal program that serves about 43,000 children in Indiana. Families must meet income and work requirements to qualify for the assistance.

“Every voucher represents a working parent that wants to take a step forward for both their lives and then also for the next generation of Hoosier lives here,” said Adam Alson, the director of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning, which administers CCDF in Indiana.

“This is not just a social service program,” Alson added. “This is an economic engine that supports Indiana’s workforce and the state’s long-term economic future.”

The program has been closed to new children for more than a year, since enrollment peaked at 69,000 in December 2024. Former Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration paused sign-ups and opened a waitlist.

Braun’s administration previously said the program would not expand until 2027, citing funding constraints after a dismal revenue forecast. But the latest forecast is significantly rosier.

Shortly after, lawmakers approved Senate Enrolled Act 4, allowing the state to spend money from the $300 million Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth fund on CCDF — or to direct more money to the fund specifically for CCDF.

The $200 million move would be subject to State Budget Committee approval. The lawmaker-dominated body next meets Thursday, for the first time since the end of the legislative session.

According to the March revenue report, Indiana is now $653 million ahead of the budget plan.

“We as an administration understand the importance of the CCDF voucher program, and we want to bring this to the State Budget Committee as quickly as possible … in order for child care businesses, families and children … (to) have more clarity around what the future holds,” Alson told the Capital Chronicle.

His office is part of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. As of February, almost 35,400 children were waiting for a CCDF voucher, according to FSSA’s child care subsidy dashboard.

The $200 million is projected to bring enrollment back up to 57,000, bringing a lucky 14,000 off the waitlist as soon as May.

Alson said there will be seats set aside for foster and kinship families, followed by slots for special needs and homeless children, as well as for the children of child care workers.

Indiana Public Media has reported that the voucher pause is forcing foster parents to pass on children they otherwise would’ve taken in.

“We don’t want the hindrance on that, for those individuals and those families that are looking to do that, to be the cost of child care,” Alson said.

The number of seats set aside per category hasn’t yet been determined, according to Alson. If the augmentation is approved at the Thursday meeting, implementation would begin late May.

That timeline is intended to give child care providers time to reopen classrooms and rehire staff. Many providers have constricted their operations or even closed amid the voucher enrollment crunch and deep cuts in voucher reimbursement rates from the state.

Regulated provider capacity has grown from about 170,900 in December 2024 to 175,600 in December 2025, according to FSSA quarterly financial reporting. But the state has lost 64 locations over that year.

Asked how to offer child care providers greater stability, Alson acknowledged the importance of “consistent funding,” as well as reduced regulatory burdens.

The $200 million influx will be paired with a statewide variance waiving state regulations on the mixing of different age groups at the beginning and end of the day, which Alson said increases staffing costs.

About 21,400 children are expected to remain on the waitlist, however.

“This $200 million is the largest one-time investment, one-year investment, in child care in the state’s history,” Alson said. “And it’s a significant step forward in … our acknowledgement of the importance of the child care space to the state of Indiana.”

“I think after we execute this, we’ll have a much better handle on what that demand for this program is as well — and we’ll be in a … more advantageous position going into the next budget cycle to address things like this,” he continued.

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The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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By Niki Kelly and Mackenezi Klemann
Indiana Capital Chronicle

Gov. Mike Braun issued an executive order Wednesday to enact a 30-day suspension of the 7% sales tax on gasoline — with the potential for extensions.

“I am declaring a gas tax holiday to give Hoosiers relief from the pain at the pump from high gas prices,” Braun said in a news release. “Affordability is my top priority.”

The order is in effect now through May 8. Braun called on retailers to pass savings directly to customers, noting the state will be monitoring prices to make sure.

Taxes on fuel in Indiana are made up of the federal gas tax of 18.4 cents per gallon, the state excise tax of 36 cents per gallon and the 7% state sales tax.

The current average cost for a gallon of gas in Indiana, according to AAA, is $4.14 — of which about 17 cents is attributable to the sales tax.

Braun estimated savings for Hoosiers could reach $50 million a month. He will revisit the emergency declaration in 30 days.

Attorney General Todd Rokita also announced that his office will actively monitor fuel prices across the state and enforce price gouging protections.

“Hoosiers deserve the full relief intended by this emergency measure and we will use every tool at our disposal to ensure that the removal of the tax translates into lower prices at the pump — and that consumers are not taken advantage of during this time,” Rokita said in a news release. “If a consumer suspects that a gas station in Indiana is still charging tax during the suspension, they should file a consumer complaint with our office.”

History of suspending gasoline sales tax

In 2000, then-Gov. Frank O’Bannon suspended the sales tax on gasoline for two 60-day periods heading into an election. It saved motorists more than $46 million.

At that time, gas was nearing $2 a gallon; the savings were between 8 and 10 cents per gallon.

O’Bannon cited a 1981 statute allowing him to declare an energy emergency if “an existing or projected shortfall of at least eight percent (8%) of motor fuel or of other energy sources that threatens to seriously disrupt or diminish energy supplies to the extent that life, health, or property may be jeopardized.”

The law doesn’t specifically mention fuel taxes, but it allows the governor to “suspend the provisions of any state statute regulating transportation or the orders or rules of any state agency if strict compliance with any of the provisions would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in coping with the energy emergency.”

Authority unclear

But in 2007, then-Gov. Mitch Daniels asked the Attorney General’s Office whether he had the authority to suspend the sales tax on gas.

The letter, signed by then Chief Deputy Attorney General Gregory Zoeller, said it was “clear that a suspension of a sales tax is not among those powers enumerated by this statute nor does it fall with the same category of those within the 1981 act.”

“Without further legislative action granting the governor the authority to suspend the gas tax, we agree that this authority is not within the intent of the 1981 statute,” the letter continued.

A message to Rokita’s office seeking clarity on authority wasn’t immediately returned. All AG opinions are non-binding.

“We feel this is within the latitude of what I’m able to do,” Braun told reporters Wednesday, citing the cumulative effect of inflation.

“The emergency was created by conditions outside our control,” he said, “and that was done in D.C. — not particularly on fuel, but in many of those years it was way above $4. We’ve been carrying that burden for a long time.”

The executive order said the ongoing war with Iran “has threatened the global supply of oil,” with 20% to 25% of the world’s crude oil production shipped through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have blocked the strait in recent weeks.

When asked about the 8% shortage requirement, the governor’s office cited the executive order.

Braun praised President Donald Trump for negotiating a two-week ceasefire with Iran, which he said should lead to lower fuel prices over time.

“This is big news,” Braun said. “You can already see it in the markets. We’ll begin to see that peace dividend over time, and there’s now clarity in terms of what they’re doing.”

Legislative reaction

Half a dozen Senate Republicans released statements supporting the move, including the chamber’s leader.

“Senate Republicans have led on issues of affordability for years, resulting in one of the lowest costs of living in the country for Hoosiers, but the recent spike in gas prices is still leaving many Hoosiers feeling undue pressure on their budgets,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville. “With affordability top of mind right now, I’m supportive of temporarily suspending the state’s sales tax on gas.”

Many of those in support are facing primary challenges and have been attacked for earlier votes to raise the gas tax.

Markle Republican Sen. Travis Holdman, who is locked in a tough reelection race, called on Braun to suspend the gas tax moments before he did so.

“Despite everything we have done at the Statehouse to maintain our state’s low cost of living, the current price of gas is adding too much pressure on Hoosiers and their wallets,” Holdman said. “Today, along with some of my colleagues, I am calling on Gov. Braun to provide relief at the pump for Hoosiers by using his legal authority to suspend the state’s tax on gas.”

House Democrats backed the suspension on Wednesday but questioned the timing.

House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, D-Fort Wayne, noted the caucus repeatedly called for a suspension back in 2022, when gas prices jumped amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I want to be clear: House Democrats support this suspension, but Gov. Braun and Statehouse Republicans are only cleaning up a mess that they helped create,” GiaQuinta said in a Wednesday news release. “Hoosiers are tired of unstrategic and unfocused foreign wars that cost American lives, drive up gas prices and raise the cost of living.”

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Mike Braun revealed a new economic development initiative Tuesday aimed at creating 100,000 high-wage agriculture and life sciences jobs over the next decade.

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A judge is being asked to remove from the primary ballot a candidate with the same last name as President Donald Trump's endorsed challenger to a Republican state senator who opposed the Indiana congressional redistricting plan.

The court action was filed by a top political ally of Gov. Mike Braun, who is supporting Brenda Wilson, who is a Vigo County Council member, in her bid against Sen. Greg Goode of Terre Haute.

The petition submitted by prominent conservative attorney Jim Bopp claims the Indiana Election Commission wrongly interpreted state law in allowing Alexandra Wilson’s name to remain on the ballot in the Senate District 38 primary.

Bopp’s petition repeats his arguments to the commission last week that Alexandra Wilson was ineligible for the primary ballot because of a state law prohibiting someone convicted of a felony crime from holding elected office.

Alexandra Wilson pleaded guilty to a 2010 Vermillion County charge of resisting law enforcement at the age of 19. Her attorney, Samantha Dewester, told the Election Commission that while the original charge was a low-level Class D felony, the judge accepted the plea agreement of a Class A misdemeanor with a year of probation.

Bopp asked in the Clay County court petition filed Monday for a judge to overturn the Election Commission’s action and remove Alexandra Wilson from the primary ballot.

The petition argues that state law “expressly applies when, as here, a person pleads guilty to a Class D Felony, regardless of whether it is ‘converted’ to or judgment is entered as a Class A misdemeanor.”

State Election Division officials did not immediately comment Tuesday to the Indiana Capital Chronicle about the court request.

While Clay County is part of the Senate district, Dewester questioned why the petition was filed with a court there rather than in Vigo County, where all the candidates live, or Marion County, where the Election Commission is based.

“The findings of the Indiana Election Commission were based on the facts presented to them, state statutes and common sense,” Dewester told the Capital Chronicle. “I am confident in our position and stand by the decision to keep Alexandra Wilson on the ballot.”

Bopp is requesting expedited action by the court, as county election offices must start mailing requested absentee ballots on March 21 ahead of the May 5 primary.

Bopp told the Capital Chronicle last week that he considered Alexandra Wilson’s candidacy a ballot “trick” by local Republicans to help Goode survive the primary by taking votes away from Brenda Wilson, whom Trump endorsed in January.

Brenda Wilson is among four active primary challengers endorsed by Trump running against Goode and other Republican senators who, in December, joined with Democrats in the 31-19 vote defeating the redistricting plan aimed at giving GOP candidates all nine of Indiana’s U.S. House seats.

Vigo County Republican Party Chair Randy Gentry, who certified Alexandra Wilson for a GOP candidacy, denied Bopp’s accusation of ballot manipulation.

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The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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Perhaps hundreds of Indiana’s roughly 1,000 township governments could face consolidation under a bill on its way to Gov. Mike Braun’s desk.

State senators voted 34-15 on Thursday in favor of the bill that supporters say is aimed at improving local government efficiency.

Braun has up to a week to sign the bill into law.

Provisions of Senate Bill 270, which the House approved on Tuesday, would require townships with poor performance scores to merge with other townships or some cities.

Bill author Sen. Rick Niemeyer, R-Lowell, said while about 325 townships could face mergers, the legislation was meant to preserve township government.

“This isn’t an assault on township government,” he said during the Senate debate.

Indiana’s township officials have long argued for the importance of the services they provide. That work includes providing emergency aid for expenses such as utilities and housing to low-income residents, with some townships also operating fire departments or parks and maintaining old cemeteries.

Critics believe the township system, dating to the 1800s is inefficient and that those functions could be better operated by cities or counties. But numerous attempts over the past two decades in the Legislature for major reorganization of Indiana’s townships have failed.

The bill specifies that townships would accumulate points based upon factors such as whether it provides emergency aid, operates a fire department or emergency medical services agency, files financial reports on a timely basis and has had candidates in recent township trustee elections.

Some senators said they worried about the impact the merger process would have on services in rural areas, including volunteer fire departments.

“I think there’s too many unanswered questions,” said Sen. Jean Leising, R-Oldenburg. “We’re moving too fast, and I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t wait for another year to make sure that all those unanswered questions are resolved.”

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The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s offer to help build a multi-billion dollar stadium is officially on the table — now it is up to the Chicago Bears to decide whether they will cross the state line.

State senators voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to approve a plan to establish a Northwest Indiana Stadium Authority in Hammond and to allow increased county restaurant, hotel and admission taxes for the project.

Gov. Mike Braun signed the measure into law within about an hour of the vote, adding to the proposal's momentum.

[caption id="attachment_127591" align="alignright" width="157"] Ryan Mishler[/caption]

State Sen. Ryan Mishler, one of the architects of the proposal, spoke with News Now Warsaw shortly after the vote and expressed confidence that Bears officials are serious about the Hoosier plan.

Officials will now wait and see if Illinois lawmakers are able to develop a plan that would keep the NFL team in Chicago.

Illinois lawmakers were discussing their proposal as Indiana State Senators approved the Indiana plan by a vote of 45-4 on Thursday afternoon.

Mishler said he doesn't see it as a competition.

"We have what we have," Mishler said. "I know that any company that steps over into Indiana is gonna save a lot of money just in our tax structure alone."

Indiana's plan is based on a template used in similar stadium deals for Lucas Oil Stadium and Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

"I know they'll still talk to Illinois," he said. "I think we have a great chance because I know what we have to offer."

If the Hammond plan comes to fruition, the state would own the facility, while the Chicago Bears would lease and operate the stadium under a long-term agreement of at least 35 years.

The Indiana financing plan calls for capturing taxes from a new stadium development district, along with revenue from a 12% admissions tax on stadium events, a doubling of Lake County’s 5% hotel tax (where Hammond is located) and a 1% food-and-beverage tax in both Lake and Porter counties, according to Indiana Capital Chronicle.

Mishler said such a stadium plan would be "transformational" for The Region and benefit the state in several ways.

"You know, there are a few states that have two (NFL) football teams, but to have two NFL football teams in the state of Indiana would be huge," Mishler said.

Braun and Mishler both said the Bears will now be doing their "due diligence" with the Hammond property, and Braun predicted a deal could be signed in four to eight weeks.

The Bears' stadium, Soldier Field, is the oldest and smallest in terms of seating capacity in the NFL.

The Hammond site is about 12 miles from Soldier Field.

Mishler pointed out that the Bears' leadership sought out Indiana as it expanded its search for a new facility and that they have been great to work with.

The Indiana Capital Chronicle contributed to this story. You can read that full version here.

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Alexandra Wilson is a Republican primary challenger to state Sen. Greg Goode. So is Brenda Wilson, whom President Donald Trump endorsed last month because of Goode’s vote against the Indiana congressional redistricting plan.

The dual Wilson candidacies have a top political ally of Indiana Gov. Mike Braun calling it a “trick” by local Republicans to help Goode survive the May primary by taking votes away from Brenda Wilson, who is a Vigo County Council member.

Prominent conservative attorney Jim Bopp said a court challenge to Alexandra Wilson’s candidacy is being considered after the Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday deadlocked over whether to remove her name from the ballot because of a 2010 criminal conviction.

Bopp said Vigo County Republican Party Chair Randy Gentry was behind getting Alexandra Wilson on the ballot “to confuse voters” — pointing out that Gentry had to certify her as a Republican since she had not voted in two consecutive GOP primaries as otherwise required by state law.

“I recognize tricks that have been played over the years, and this is one of them,” Bopp told the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

Gentry denied Bopp’s accusation of ballot manipulation, saying that Alexandra Wilson was brought to him by other Republicans as an opponent of a contentious Terre Haute school construction project supported by both Goode and Brenda Wilson.

“I am a huge supporter of the president, and I’ve had four phone calls with the White House,” Gentry said in an interview. “I explained to them what the local flavor is. … The key is there’s nothing crazy about what’s going on here.”

Ballot challenge fails in a tie vote

Bopp, whose law practice is based in Terre Haute, said he is supporting Brenda Wilson as “she much better represents the party” than Goode.

Bopp argued during Wednesday’s Election Commission meeting that Alexandra Wilson was ineligible for the primary ballot because of a state law prohibiting someone convicted of a felony crime from holding elected office.

Samantha Dewester, an attorney representing Alexandra Wilson, acknowledged that she pleaded guilty in 2010 to resisting law enforcement at the age of 19 when she had no criminal history.

Dewester maintained that while the original charge was a low-level Class D felony, the Vermillion County judge accepted the plea agreement of a Class A misdemeanor with a year of probation.

“She’s not a felon,” Dewester said. “She is an upstanding citizen that just wanted to get involved and run for office, and nothing in her record showed that she has a felony conviction whatsoever.”

The four-member Election Commission split 2-2 on the challenge to Alexandra Wilson’s candidacy. The two Democratic members — Suzannah Wilson Overholt and Karen Celestino-Horseman — voted to allow her name to remain on the ballot and the two Republicans — Beth Boyce and John Westercamp — voted to remove her.

The tie means that Alexandra Wilson stays on the ballot as a majority vote is needed for removal.

New chapter in Republican rift

The strife over the dueling Wilson candidacies is another example of the Republican infighting prompted by Trump’s demand that Indiana join other GOP-controlled states in congressional redistricting.

Trump and Braun both vowed political revenge against Republican senators who in December, joined with Democrats in the 31-19 vote defeating the redistricting plan aimed at giving GOP candidates all nine of Indiana’s U.S. House seats.

Goode was among the 21 of 40 Republican senators who opposed redistricting — and Brenda Wilson is among five candidates endorsed by Trump in primary challenges to those senators (with one challenger having already ended his campaign).

Alexandra Wilson did not immediately comment on Wednesday to the Capital Chronicle about her campaign.

Goode, who is Republican U.S. Sen. Todd Young’s state director, did not address whether he had any involvement with Alexandra Wilson’s candidacy when asked by the Capital Chronicle.

“I was the first Republican to file for this legislative seat,” Goode said in a text message. “I am not running against any person or people. I am standing for my constituents. That is my focus for the remainder of the (legislative) session and during this ’26 campaign.”

Goode filed for reelection on Jan. 9 (the second day of the candidate filing period), followed by Brenda Wilson on Jan. 21, six days before Trump’s endorsement. Alexandra Wilson joined the race Feb. 5, the day before the candidate filing deadline.

Vigo County chair denies ‘conspiracy’

Bopp is the secretary and treasurer of Hoosiers for Opportunity, Prosperity and Enterprise — a nonprofit group supporting Braun’s agenda — and was a vice chair of Braun’s transition team after he won the 2024 gubernatorial election.

If Alexandra Wilson remains on the ballot, her name would appear just before Brenda Wilson as candidates are listed alphabetically.

Bopp said “without question” that is why Alexandra Wilson is running.

“The confusing fact that there is the same last name and that the person they recruited is in front of her also makes the confusion and negative effect on Brenda even greater,” Bopp said.

Gentry said Goode was not involved in Alexandra Wilson entering the race and called the controversy “nonsense.”

“I wish Alexandra’s last name was Smith or Jones or, you name it,” Gentry said. “It’s not, and that’s created all kinds of conspiracy theories and so forth.”

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The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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