The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus elected State Sen. Shelli Yoder, who represents much of Monroe County, as its new minority leader for the chamber on Wednesday.
The announcement follows another three women accusing Indiana Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor of sexual misconduct on Wednesday, allegations he denies. Six women have now accused Taylor of sexual misconduct, including a forcible kiss, touching women without permission and harassment.
The same day IndyStar published the first accusations last month, the caucus reelected Taylor. Yoder was one of four senate Democrats to publicly say they didn’t support Taylor. She also stepped down from her position as assistant minority leader the same day.
Yoder has represented Bloomington and most of Monroe County in the state senate since 2020 and won her uncontested reelection in November. She’s also a senior lecturer at IU’s Kelley School of Business, teaching in the communication, professional and computer skills department in the fall semester.
In a previous interview with the Indiana Daily Student, Yoder said her priorities will be working to restore reproductive rights, improving childcare, increasing transparency for schools in the voucher system and bolstering access to affordable housing.
She’ll be joined by:
- Sen. Andrea Hunley as assistant minority leader (D-Indianapolis)
- Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. as caucus chair (D-Chesterton)
- Sen. La Keisha Jackson as assistant caucus chair (D-Indianapolis)
- Sen. J.D. Ford as caucus whip (D-Indianapolis)
