Senate Republicans Back Chris Garten to Lead Indiana Senate
Indiana Senate Republicans have endorsed Sen. Chris Garten, a vocal redistricting supporter, as the next president pro tem, likely putting him in charge of the chamber.
By Jian Chen ·
Senate Republicans in Indiana have thrown their support behind Sen. Chris Garten, R-Charlestown, to serve as president pro tem. The endorsement is likely to give him control of the chamber and shows its leadership consolidating around one of the strongest supporters of redistricting.
Garten drew national attention in December, when he delivered a spirited defense of redistricting on the Senate floor.
Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, is among Garten's firm backers and expects the chamber's tone to change under the new leader. "Look, the Senate's about to get a little louder, that's for sure," Freeman said, describing Garten as "boisterous, no doubt about it."
Freeman said he nonetheless believes Garten will bring clarity to the leadership. "He has the passion of his convictions," Freeman said. "He wears it on his sleeve."
The argument for putting Garten in charge grew stronger after many of the Republicans who had opposed redistricting lost their reelection races. Their opponents were backed by President Donald Trump.
Not long after those results, Garten announced he would step back from his leadership position, signaling a break with Sen. President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville. In his resignation, Garten wrote that serving as Floor Leader requires "a seamless alignment with the current strategic direction of leadership — an alignment I no longer maintain."
Bray, who opposed redistricting, has since announced that he will step down. In a statement, he wished Garten well. "I have seen Sen. Garten's ability to lead firsthand and know he will lead the caucus with conviction and boldness," Bray said.
Other Republicans also offered congratulations, including House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers. "I look forward to working with [Garten] to continue strengthening Indiana, growing our economy and creating more opportunities for Hoosiers across our state," Huston said.
Garten will not formally take up the role until after the November election. In a statement, he said he would bring "unapologetic conservatism, decisive action, and absolute transparency" to the Indiana statehouse.
Source: WFYI
