Indiana Senate Democrats retain leader despite sexual harassment allegations

Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle

19 November 2024

Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor speaks to the press at sine die on March 8, 2024. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

The Indiana Senate Democratic caucus on Monday reelected its leader, Sen. Greg Taylor of Indianapolis — just hours after the Indianapolis Star reported three woman have accused Taylor of sexual harassment.

The allegations of unwanted physical contact and romantic pursuit of an intern cover eight years. In the article, Taylor did not deny the harassment. Instead, he apologized for past behavior that “may have blurred the lines.”

Taylor has led his caucus since 2022 and has represented District 33 since 2008. But he’s come under fire before for his comments, including during 2018 discussion of child molestation legislation.

The caucus’ 10 members met for hours behind closed doors Monday. It was the last of the Statehouse’s four caucuses to meet and select leadership before a deadline.

Caucus reacts

Several spoke out against the results, including Indianapolis Sen. Andrea Hunley.

In a video statement posted to the caucus’ Instagram account, Hunley said she ran for minority leader and lost.

“While I’m disappointed by the results of our caucus leader election, I’m committed to ensuring that changes are made and that Leader Taylor is held accountable,” she said.

Hunley will instead serve as assistant leader, replacing Bloomington Sen. Shelli Yoder.

In a statement Monday, Yoder said stepped down because of her morals. She said she stands with the “courageous women who came forward.”

“As state senator, I have always strived to lead with transparency, accountability and integrity, even in the face of difficult and deeply challenging situations,” she wrote. “My decision not to seek another term as Assistant Minority Leader reflects my unwavering commitment to these principles.”

”The serious allegations involving my colleague Senator Taylor demanded accountability and action. While the outcome was not what I had hoped for, I did everything in my power to stand up for what is right and to ensure these issues were addressed — not for personal gain or political positioning, but because it was the right thing to do,” she added.

Indianapolis Sen. J.D. Ford said he declined a nomination to hold a leadership position as caucus chair — a position he held for four years — and congratulated Chesterton Sen. Rodney Pol for taking the position.

“… I did not vote for Senator Taylor given today’s Indy Star article with the very serious allegations,” he wrote in a text to the Capital Chronicle. “I stand with the women who bravely reported their experiences. All along, I have been pushing our caucus to see the bigger picture on how our actions impact Hoosiers and the example they set.”

Accusations across government

Hunley in August critiqued Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration for its handling of sexual assault allegations, and took aim at the Indiana Democratic Party.

“While so far, one person formerly in a leadership position under Mayor Joe Hogsett has been identified as a perpetrator of sexual harassment and assault, the failures have been systemic and continue to be systemic,” she said, in a video posted to her Instagram account.

At least one other member of the caucus has also faced an accusation of sexual harassment.

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In an opinion column, the Indianapolis Star revealed evidence that Sen. David Niezgodski, D-South Bend, harassed a young, female former employee: at the office, in voicemails, over texts, and even showed up to her home. His company settled with the former employee for $8,000, according to the Star.

Accusations have crossed party lines.

The Indiana Supreme Court suspended former Republican Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill’s law license for 30 days after finding he committed criminal battery when he groped four women, including a legislator, during a party at an Indianapolis bar in 2018. GOP Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales in 2022 faced decade-old allegations of sexual assaults in interview transcripts published by political columnist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz.

In a Monday evening statement, the Senate Democratic caucus acknowledged “a culture of misconduct” at the Statehouse. The caucus said it was “deeply troubled” by the allegations and apologized “for the distraction this has caused from the important work we are elected to do on behalf of Hoosiers.”

The statement noted that Statehouse employees wishing to report misconduct can tell supervisors or the “inherently flawed” Ethics Committee, but said the caucus was proposing “immediate changes” to make the process more independent, transparent and fair.

“Together, we must create a workplace where consent is respected, power is not abused and every individual feels safe and valued,” the statement continued — although it didn’t mention Taylor, or his recent leadership reelection, by name.

Legislative leaders react

House Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican, told reporters Monday morning that he is “100% concerned about any allegations” but that he hadn’t read the story. He defended his chamber’s policies.

When asked if the Statehouse was safe for its many young, female staffers, Huston replied, “We fight every day to make sure it is. I mean, you know, … we have so many incredible young women working at the Indiana General Assembly. We’re so grateful and thankful for them.”

House Minority Leader Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, a Democrat, released a statement strongly condemning sexual harassment “no matter who it comes from.”

“I cannot ignore this principle simply because a Statehouse Democrat has been accused of sexual harassment,” he added.

“Indiana House Democrats successfully offered a 2018 amendment that resulted in a law to require annual sexual harassment prevention training for lawmakers and institute a House rule on the complaint process to properly investigate and hold lawmakers accountable when and if sexual harassment has occurred. It’s important to me that complaints are taken seriously. I’m glad the House has a reporting mechanism so victims and witnesses can come forward and feel safe to do so,” he said.

“Finally, I want to remind all House employees that if something happened that you feel is worth reporting, our Ethics rules and the House’s personnel handbook provide for a confidential investigation process and guarantee protection from retaliation.”

Two new faces are joining the caucus: Sen. La Keisha Jackson, D-Indianapolis, who was elected after finishing out the late Sen. Jean Breaux’s final term. Gary Councilman-At-Large Mark Spencer is expected to be sworn in Tuesday, during the ceremonial start to the session.

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Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com. Follow Indiana Capital Chronicle on Facebook and X.

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