Local Officials Dominate List of Influential Politicians

In their latest newsletter, Howey Politics Indiana released their annual list of the 50 most influential Indiana Politicians. Among those listed were local elected officials House Speaker Todd Huston (5), former State Senator, Noblesville Mayor and City Court Judge Luke Kenley (21), US Representative Victoria Spartz (39) and Noblesville Mayor Chris Jensen (46).

The newsletter gave descriptions of each politician, as well as a quote or two from each.

For Speaker Huston, they wrote, “The Fishers Republican once again lands in the top 10 of this powerhouse list, after successfully pushing for abortion-restricting legislation and income tax cuts in 2022. The latter was never a priority of Senate Republicans, so his ability to push it across the finish line and give Indiana some of the lowest income tax rates in the country was a feat. By nearly all measures, Huston had a successful election cycle last year as well in 2022. House Republican leadership, led by Huston, was able to successfully oust Reps. Curt Nisly and John Jacob, two of the most conservative members of the legislature who often created a headache for Huston by challenging him from the right. Meanwhile, in the general election, Republicans easily maintained their supermajority in the House as Huston glided to another term in leadership. Huston will be equally as powerful this year, if not more, as lawmakers draft the two-year budget and dictate how to spend billions of taxpayer dollars. With a new House Ways and Means chair at the helm, chances are he’ll be looking to Huston for some guidance, more so than an experienced chair. Huston also has the advantage of having been the lead author of the budget bill back in 2019. Huston could be influential in the educational sphere this year, as he’s committed to “rethink high school.” He says he wants to ensure Hoosier children get “relevant” education, whether they seek post-secondary education or go immediately into the workforce. “I think there are opportunities with work-based learning to change what high school looks like,” Huston said late last year.”

For Kenley, Howey Politics said, “The former Senate Appropriations chairman co-chaired the Governor’s Public Health Commission that has recommended increasing health funding to the tune of just under $250 million a year. “This is a totally justified expense and idea on the part of state government. It’s something that Indiana really needs to do and the time has come to do it,” said Kenley. “The fact that Indiana has a very weak public health delivery system is undeniable.” According to Capital Chronicle, Indiana ranks 48th in the nation for public health funding, spending approximately $55 per Hoosier on public health initiatives or $36 less than the nationwide average of $91 per capita.”

They wrote of Spartz, “After prevailing in a crowded 5th CD Republican primary in 2020, Spartz went on to defeat Democratic candidate Christina Hale for a seat that was seen as the Democrats’ best pick-up opportunity. Last year, Spartz trounced the Democratic nominee, Jeannine Lee Lake, 61.1% to 38.9%. Spartz’s increasing electoral strength is not yet matched by legislative or management prowess. In her first term, she did not have a signature bill. She was best known for her vocal critiques of U.S. policy toward the war in Ukraine, the country of her birth. But she caused more headache for her congressional colleagues – including Republicans – than she did for the Russians with her erratic visits to Ukraine and her strident criticism of the Ukrainian government. She also has had trouble keeping staff on board. Her office is thought to be one of the most dysfunctional on Capitol Hill, according to a former staffer to a member of the Indiana congressional delegation. If she runs for Senate, she may have a challenge making the case for why Hoosiers would want to elevate her to the upper chamber, even though she released an internal poll showing she is tied with Banks for second-most support behind Daniels. In the December Bellwether Research Poll, Spartz was fourth with 7% in a poll Mitch Daniels led with 32%. In a race without Daniels, Spartz was third with 12%, a point behind Rep. Banks and 2% behind Attorney General Rokita.”

And finally, Howey Politics wrote of Jensen, “He is seeking a second term after using his first term to rebuild Pleasant Street, while the city has received more than $1 billion in private investment. “Building on our strong foundation, I am running for reelection because there is more work to be done,” Jensen said in announcing his bid last September. “Together we can continue to develop our workforce and make generational investments in infrastructure that will keep jobs and families moving to and around our hometown.” He doesn’t have an announced opponent at this writing.”

You can read the full breakdown online at stateaffairs.com/pro/indiana/hpi-power-50-2023/