Ex-state schools superintendent Jennifer McCormick joins Indiana governor's race as Democrat

Former state schools superintendent Jennifer McCormick announced Thursday she is running for Indiana governor as the first Democrat to enter the race.

In a news release, McCormick said she sought to restore "common sense" and criticized the Republican supermajority engaging in "divisive politics."

Education: A look at what charter schools have closed in Marion County

"They are defunding and politicizing our schools, burdening us with the nation’s highest gas tax, taking our rights away, and standing by as we pay the highest health care costs in the nation," McCormick said in the release. "It’s time for a leader who will put Hoosier’s first."

New raises: Indiana governor, top elected officials in line for big pay bumps in state budget

McCormick grew up in New Castle, Indiana, has been an educator and was elected as superintendent of public instruction in November 2016. At the end of her term in 2021, she flipped parties.

Gov. Eric Holcomb cannot run for reelection due to term limits, so Hoosiers will see a new face in the seat next year. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun and Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden have announced their bids to run as Republicans. Libertarian Donald Rainwater also announced his candidacy.

The election for governor is Nov. 5, 2024.

Contact IndyStar Pulliam Fellow Cate Charron at ccharron@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @catecharron.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Jennifer McCormick, former Indiana schools supt., joins governor's race