BLOOMINGTON — Monroe County Democratic Party Chair David G. Henry announced that he will not seek re-election during the upcoming party reorganization in March 2025. Having served as chair since late 2021, Henry will step down from his leadership role after being sworn in as Monroe County Councilperson At-Large on January 1, 2025. His term as councilperson will end on March 1, 2025.
In a statement, Henry reflected on his time as party chair, calling the experience a “gift” and acknowledging the collaborative effort of the entire Democratic community. “A chair is only as good as the elected officials, volunteers, friends, neighbors, activists, donors, and candidates that support them,” Henry said. “I could not have done any of what we have accomplished without our whole Democratic family working together.”
Henry had originally planned to run for another term but cited changing family responsibilities and his new role on the county council as key factors in his decision. “A good leader always has an eye toward sustaining the organization beyond their desires, especially when family needs to come first,” he said.
Throughout his tenure, Henry guided the Monroe County Democratic Party through numerous successes, including achieving the highest voter turnout in the county in 16 years during the 2024 General Election, raising more per capita than 87 other Indiana counties, and supporting a diverse range of candidates. His leadership also resulted in significant milestones, such as the election of Indiana’s first majority-women Bloomington Common Council and the re-election of an all-women-led County Commission.
Under Henry’s leadership, the party re-engaged with organized labor, supported the LGBTQIA+ community, and expanded rural Democratic representation. Additionally, he was instrumental in challenging and removing a Republican candidate from the 2024 ballot after residency issues were exposed.
Henry’s tenure, however, was not without challenges, including navigating recounts, candidate controversies, and the financial troubles of the Monroe County Young Democrats. Despite these challenges, Henry’s leadership helped fortify the party’s standing locally and statewide.
“While in Monroe County we have burnished our complete stewardship of county and city government and won literally 1 in 3 county seats held by Democrats statewide, our party statewide suffered a historic defeat,” Henry stated, expressing his belief that Bloomington’s approach could help reinvigorate the state party.
Henry’s leadership term will officially conclude on March 1, 2025, with party reorganization scheduled for that date. He will host a farewell event in February. Those interested in running for party office should contact Ashley Pirani at secretary@monroedems.org.
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