Gov. Eric Holcomb has easily secured a second term in office, winning re-election over challengers Dr. Woody Myers, the Democrat, and Libertarian Donald Rainwater.
Holcomb’s victory marks the fifth straight gubernatorial win for Republicans – Indiana Democrats haven’t won a governor’s race since 2000.
Holcomb punctuated his substantial victory by touting the record of his first term and pledging more of the same for his second.
“Hope and growth and opportunity are alive and well,” Holcomb said.
Myers was subdued, acknowledging that his campaign was a long shot. He did praise big voter turnout.
“And that must be nurtured, not further suppressed or ignored,” Myers said.
Rainwater called his campaign a success, saying the significant vote count for a Libertarian sends a message.
“It is our responsibility as citizens to hold government accountable every day,” Rainwater said.
Holcomb, who came into the race as a heavy favorite, was sharply criticized the last few months by those on both his political right and left for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his response to the renewed focus on racial inequity.
That potentially created an opening, in particular, for Myers – a medical doctor, former state health commissioner and the first Black person to run for governor on a major party ticket in state history.
It also helped boost Rainwater’s campaign, with several polls projecting he would secure a greater percentage of the vote than any Libertarian candidate for governor in Indiana ever has.
But the Associated Press called the race for Holcomb just moments after the last Indiana polling places closed.
This story has been updated with comments from the candidates.
Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.
