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Sen. Greg Taylor Is First Black Leader Of Legislative Caucus In State History

Lauren Chapman
/
IPB News

Sen. Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) became the new Senate minority leader Friday – the first Black leader of a legislative caucus in state history.

Senate Democrats almost completely overhauled their leadership team. 

In a statement, Taylor said the pandemic has “pulled back the curtain” on how far behind Indiana is on protecting workers and the right to vote and ensuring a fair justice system. He said the Democratic caucus will continue to champion those causes.

READ MORE: Republicans Expand Supermajority In Indiana House, Only Lose One Seat In Senate

Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) congratulated Taylor. In a statement, Bray said he looks forward to working with the new leader, whom he calls a “relentless advocate.”

Senate Democrats also chose a new assistant minority leader, Sen. Eddie Melton (D-Gary); minority caucus chair, Sen. J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis); and assistant caucus chair, Sen. Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington).

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Brandon Smith is excited to be working for public radio in Indiana. He has previously worked in public radio as a reporter and anchor in mid-Missouri for KBIA Radio out of Columbia. Prior to that, he worked for WSPY Radio in Plano, Illinois as a show host, reporter, producer and anchor. His first job in radio was in another state capitol, in Jefferson City, Missouri, as a reporter for three radio stations around Missouri. Brandon graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a Bachelor of Journalism in 2010, with minors in political science and history. He was born and raised in Chicago.