J.D. Ford

DIndiana State Senator, District 29 (2018-2026; not seeking re-election to the state Senate)

Won a seven-candidate May 5, 2026 Democratic primary with 42.5% of the vote

J.D. Ford is the Democratic nominee for Indiana's 5th District. He has represented Indiana Senate District 29 since 2018, becoming the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Indiana General Assembly, and is not seeking re-election to the state Senate.[3]

Basic profile — the most important sourced facts we found.

On the record — official actions

actionElected to the Indiana Senate in 2018, flipping the previously Republican-held District 29.[3]
actionServes on the Indiana Senate's Commerce and Technology, Education and Career Development, Health and Provider Services, Elections, Family & Children Services, Homeland Security and Transportation, Utilities, and Veterans Affairs and the Military committees during the 2025-2026 session.[3]

Positions on the issues

SupportsExpand public health coverage
Says he would work to lower healthcare premiums by stopping what he describes as anti-competitive hospital mergers.[3]
SupportsUniversal, publicly funded child care
Says he would expand the child and dependent care tax credit and treat childcare as essential infrastructure.[3]

In their words — priorities

Names affordability as a top message, saying he would work to block what he describes as anti-competitive hospital, insurance, and grocery mergers.[3]
Names care costs (childcare and senior care) as a priority, calling for an expanded child and dependent care tax credit and national minimum staffing standards for nursing homes.[3]
Says he would maintain an open-door policy with regular town halls, as he did in the Statehouse.[3]

Background

Earned a bachelor's degree in political science and criminal justice from the University of Akron and a master's degree in education from Purdue University.[3]
Worked as senior director of recruitment and expansion for Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc.[3]
Elected to Indiana Senate District 29 in 2018, defeating the Republican incumbent; is the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Indiana General Assembly.[3]
Serves on the Indiana Senate's Commerce and Technology, Education and Career Development, Health and Provider Services, Elections, Family & Children Services, Homeland Security and Transportation, Utilities, and Veterans Affairs and the Military committees in the 2025-2026 session.[3]

Campaign money