So much has happened since my last Mondays with Michelle. This newsletter will be a lot of updates, announcements, and trips down memory lane. And when I talk about the fact we are “building the plane while flying”, it means we’re figuring out some things as we go, because the world is moving fast. But in order to build a plane, we need parts! And that’s where you come in. I need your help. We are looking for 20 monthly sustaining partners to help us build out our infrastructure. Might that be you? If so, let’s talk! Hit reply or go to https://indianaruralsummit.org/news#donate to set up a recurring contribution.
On January 7th, I was proud to lead over two dozen Indiana Rural Summit candidates to the Statehouse to file to run for office. When I founded the Indiana Rural Summit in 2024, my dream was to see every House and Senate race contested. As of February 6th at noon, we had 91 House seats contested (out of 100) and all 25 Senate races contested! This is candidate turnout on a record scale, and I am beyond proud. Hoosiers have stepped up to the call. It is due to the continued work of organizations like MADVoters and others who provide civic education and training and make running for office a little less daunting. The Indiana Rural Summit is there to make sure nobody runs alone!
On January 24th, the Indiana Rural Summit joined Reverse Citizens United, Organizing Indiana, Stonewall Democrats, Monroe Co. Democrat Women’s Caucus and others to host the “It Takes A Village” Townhall to address the significant funding cuts impacting local government. What was supposed to be an in-person event had to quickly pivot to online due to a winter storm that hit that same afternoon. Progressive Indiana Network live-streamed this event and continues to host the recording. IDS News shared the highlights:
How will Monroe County navigate SEA 1 funding cuts? Here’s what local leaders said
PASSING THE BATON
Probably the most difficult decision I made this year was deciding not to run for House District 60. Most of you have been on this journey with me since the very beginning. And when I first decided to run, it was with the expectation that I would have to run two cycles (three years). I was just finishing up my 2nd year when I did a reassessment of where we were at. With Trump 2.0 in full swing, the impact from DOGE cuts and SB1 are being felt by everyone. And as more and more issues arose for rural communities (such as data center fights or rural hospitals closing), I knew the work the Indiana Rural Summit began in 2024 was needed now more than ever. I also realized that I had a finite capacity. So I spoke to my family and some trusted advisors. We determined together that my skills and capacity were better served building out the Indiana Rural Summit infrastructure to support what I was sure to become a record number of candidates. I also had a potential candidate in the wings. So after much dialogue and discussion, Carrie Syczylo (“Sichello”) agreed to step in as candidate for HD 60. And truthfully, for the moment we are in and the battle at the Statehouse, Carrie is the fighter we need. She and her husband own and operate Farmhouse Brew in Monrovia and have a heart for community. We discuss what passing the baton looks like in our zoom call with HD 60 supporters (see video link above). Meanwhile, local media began announcing the transition:
Monrovia Democrat files for House District 60 as prospective contender shifts focus to coalition
On Tuesday, February 3rd, Carrie Syczylo filed to represent House District 60. And I couldn’t be prouder. Together we attended a meeting with Sen. Rod Bray that morning, along with several other Morgan County constituents. Our conversation touched on water protection, local control, immigration and due process (and not deputizing National Guard), housing first initiatives, and protecting Hoosiers. It is having meetings like this that validate why we need candidates running in every race.
[Here are some pictures of Carrie and I at the Statehouse.]
