Indiana has never elected a woman as governor, but the state has a strong history of women serving as lieutenant governors. According to the Rutgers Center for American Women in Politics, Indiana is one of 18 states that have never had a female governor. However, four out of the state's past five lieutenant governors have been women.
In the recent gubernatorial GOP primary, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun emerged victorious, defeating Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. Braun's selection of state Rep. Julie McGuire as his lieutenant governor running mate continues the trend of having women in the second-highest office in Indiana.
While the lieutenant governor position holds little constitutional power, it is significant as the first in line of succession if the governor is unable to perform their duties. The lieutenant governor also oversees four state agencies and ceremonially presides over the state Senate.
Historically, women have made strides in Indiana politics. Kathy Davis was the first woman to hold the lieutenant governor post, appointed by Democratic Gov. Joe Kernan in 2003. However, Indiana has yet to elect a female governor.
Despite the progress, challenges remain for women in Indiana politics. Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch's recent bid for governor fell short in a competitive primary, highlighting the continued underrepresentation of women in the state's highest office.
As Indiana gears up for the fall elections, the selection of Julie McGuire as Braun's lieutenant governor running mate underscores the ongoing efforts to promote gender diversity in state leadership. While women have excelled in the role of lieutenant governor, the quest for a female governor in Indiana continues.
