INDIANA — After a historic year of election wins in 2023, Indiana Democrats are preparing for key races across the state in 2024. Democrats are ready to bring balance back to state government and look to do so with a phenomenal slate of candidates throughout southern Indiana. The Indiana Democratic Party is proud to support Hollie Payton, Trish Whitcomb, Thomas Horrocks, Jason Applegate, and Alex Burton in their Indiana House of Representatives races.
“Indiana Democrats are fired up and ready to bring positive change to the Hoosier State. The Democratic candidates throughout southern Indiana are each incredible leaders in their respective communities, and they are ready to advocate for progress in the State House,” said Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl. “These candidates have a remarkable vision for the potential of Indiana and will take bold action to fulfill this potential as they ramp up their campaigns to win.”
“Hollie Payton is a dedicated community leader who will bring important perspectives to our House of Representatives. Born and raised in Indiana, Hollie understands Hoosier values and will fight to protect healthcare and the voices of her neighbors.
“Trish Whitcomb has been active in community activism throughout her career and will bring the value of progress to the table as a state legislator. She cares deeply about Hoosiers and will bring the same commitment to public service her father did when he was Indiana governor – by working across party lines for everyone.
“Thomas Horrocks knows the value of service. As a chaplain in the Indiana Army National Guard and a servicemember deployed for over a year, Thomas has humbly served his nation and state. Now, he is ready to serve Hoosiers in the General Assembly. He will be a champion for a balanced government and his community.
“Jason Applegate will be a tireless advocate for southern Indiana. As a small business owner and city council member, he knows the power of community. Councilman Applegate is an experienced leader who will strongly represent his neighbors.
“Alex Burton is proud to call Evansville home. He fights for the city he was raised in as a member of the Evansville City Council, where he advocates for improved education and economic development. Councilman Burton will bring that same passion and commitment as a state legislator for House District 77.
“Hollie, Trish, Thomas, Jason, and Alex have a passion for public service and understand the importance of creating a brighter future for all of Indiana. We are excited to witness their leadership as candidates and future members of the House of Representatives.”
The Indiana Democratic Party fully endorses these candidates running for the Indiana General Assembly in 2024. Please take the time to read about their noteworthy accomplishments and experience below.
HOLLIE PAYTON, House District 73
(Greensburg, Shelbyville)
Inc. Jennifer Meltzer
Hollie Payton is a lifelong Hoosier who resides in Decatur County. Hollie has been employed as a Program Facilitator at Girls Inc. of Shelbyville & Shelby County for the past five years. As a pancreas transplant recipient of almost eight years, Hollie has been a fierce advocate for her healthcare rights. As a Hoosier Women Forward program graduate, Hollie has experience in Indiana politics and is ready to fight for the citizens of District 73.
Hollie has been married to her husband, James, for 21 years, and they have one son together. Hollie is running for HD 73 State Representative to create progress and action and to be a voice for all. She can be found online at www.facebook.com/holliepaytonforIN.
TRISH WHITCOMB, House District 69
(Seymour, Salem)
Inc. Jim Lucas
Trish Whitcomb is a long-time Democrat and a Hoosier since age five who is running to be a voice for the people of House District 69. Trish has long worked in Indiana politics and was a previous president of the Indiana Federation of Democratic Women. She is also a former executive director of the Indiana Retired Teachers Association.
Trish is the daughter of Edgar D. Whitcomb, who served as Indiana’s governor from 1969 to 1973. Trish graduated from Seymour High School and Butler University. Trish can be found online at www.whitcomb4indiana.com.
THOMAS HORROCKS, House District 62
(Monroe County/Brown County; Bloomington, Nashville)
Inc. Dave Hall
Thomas is a church pastor and chaplain in the Indiana Army National Guard, where he has served for nearly ten years. Thomas has completed one overseas deployment and more than a year on full-time orders, where he served right here in Indiana during the COVID response mission. He and his wife, Adriane, are proud to raise their blended family in south-central Indiana.
Thomas is a first time running candidate because he believes the current super-majority government should focus more on helping Hoosiers. Thomas can be found online at www.horrocksforhoosiers.com.
JASON APPLEGATE, House District 72
(New Albany, Georgetown)
Inc. Ed Clere
Jason Applegate is a small business owner and community leader. He is the founder of Extol Media and a New Albany City Council member. He cares deeply about the state of education in Indiana and also wants to prioritize giving small businesses the tools they need for success. Councilman Applegate is passionate about serving his community and looks forward to having an even greater impact in the House.
Jason is a dedicated public servant and knows he can be an important voice for southern Indiana at the state house. Jason can be found online at www.applegateforoffice.com.
ALEX BURTON, House District 77
(Evansville)
Inc. Ryan Hatfield
Alex Burton was born and raised in Evansville, IN, and graduated from Bosse High School, where he played basketball and football. Alex attended Indiana State University and became active in student government. He formerly interned with Mayor Weinzapfel before starting at Western Kentucky University, where he taught, advised, and interned for two Members of Congress.
After moving back to Evansville, he ran for City Council – Large for the first time in 2015 and again in 2019 for the Ward 4 council seat and won. Since then, Alex has been at the forefront of several initiatives related to workforce development, youth, and economic development. Alex can be found online at www.ab4evv.com.
