By Anna Skinner
Dan Schmidt announced July 26 he will run for State Sen. Luke Kenley’s District 20 seat.
Kenley announced he will retire Sept. 30, and a special caucus will be held to replace him. A date for the caucus has not been decided.
Schmidt, of Westfield, served in former Gov. Mike Pence’s administration as a policy advisor on transportation, energy and environment. Schmidt is a lawyer and now works as a public sector strategy and management consultant serving public schools, state and local governments and nonprofits.
“I have felt for long time in my life that public service is important and giving back to my community is important, and the question is where to you feel called to do that. I feel that with my background and experience, Indiana Senator is a place I can serve well,” Schmidt said. I believe that it is important that Indiana continues to push forward, continues building on the successes we’ve had and keep a good government. If you’re not leaning forward you’re falling behind, and I want to keep pushing us forward.”
Schmidt said if elected, his primary focus areas would include investing in state infrastructure, increasing opportunities for residents to enjoy natural resources, providing schools, cities and more tools to become economic development hubs and limiting the size of state government to only what is necessary.
“I think look at all of those areas, what you’ll find is it’s about stability and preparation for making sure we have infrastructure in place and providing the foundation to be ready to move into future,” he said. “Infrastructure is always a top priority, and fiscal responsibility is always a top priority, and making sure we have the quality-of-life tools and resources in place so our cities and towns can be economic development hubs.”
Schmidt attends Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is married and has six children. He’s been active in Boy Scouts and sports through the parish.
“The time I’ve spent at Our Lady has really been an example of where I’ve put my servant’s heart,” he said.
For a full bio, visit schmidtforsenate.com.
