TL;DR
Last week, The Marion County Democratic Party (County Party), chaired by Myla Eldridge, Filed 100+ Would-be Candidate Challenges with the Marion County Election Board.
💡 If you’re also confused about the candidacy challenges, this is for you: this post is intended to shed light on agencies involved in these decisions and share relevant information, so affected individuals (would-be candidates) are equipped with more knowledge as they proceed with challenges to their candidacy.
Who Filed the Challenges?
The Marion County Democratic Party (County Party), chaired by Myla Eldridge, is challenging more than 100 would-be candidates who filed to run for Precinct Committee Person (PCP) and State Delegate and/or Indiana State Delegate. If the County Party is successful, these would-be candidates would not appear on the Democratic ballot for the May 5, 2026 Primary election.
Where Were the Challenges Filed?
The County Party submitted these challenges to the Marion County Election Board (Election Board). Would-be candidates received an email from Brent Stinson, Deputy Director of the Election Board on Friday, February 13, at 5:44 p.m.
⚠️ Note: the Election Board email address included in Friday’s email is incorrect. The correct email is Elections@indy.gov. ✔️
Would-be candidates have roughly three business days to try address/resolve the challenges before the Public Meeting where these challenges will be addressed.
Public Meeting Details:
🗓️ Friday, February 20, 2026 | ⏰ 10:00 a.m.EST |📍 City/County Building – Public Assembly Room; 200 E. Washington St. Indianapolis IN 46204
❓Why Were the Challenges Filed?
No one actually knows: as of Monday February 16, would-be candidates have not received a copy of the “Candidate Filing Challenge,” CAN-1, which details the basis of the challenge, leaving would-be candidates in the dark about the grounds for the challenge.
Email exchanges between the County Party and would-be candidates gives some insight into the basis of the challenge, though. In response to an email from would-be candidate, County Party leadership said:
“As you have been notified, a challenge was filed regarding your candidacy. This challenge was likely based on the party rule [Indiana Democratic Party Rule 8] requiring that an individual’s most recent primary vote be a Democratic ballot.
We understand that many individuals who did not meet this requirement have sincere and understandable reasons, and we appreciate those of you who reached out to share your circumstances with us.”
How could would-be candidates move forward? Options include:
✅ Reach out to the County Party and Chair Myla Eldridge and ask they rescind the challenge or alternatively, ask whether they’ll appoint you as a PC / State Delegate.
Assuming the challenge is based on failing to meet Democratic Party Membership as outlined under Indiana Democratic Party Rule 8 (c)(1), ask the County Party to certify you as a Democrat under IDP Rule 8(c)(2).
Alternatively, you could also ask to be appointed as a PC / State Delegate.
Sample Script:
Dear Marion County Democratic Party,
I hope this message finds you well. I was surprised to receive notice from the Marion County Election Board on Friday that my candidacy for Precinct Committeeperson and/or State Delegate (precinct **) is being contested. I understand I am one of 100 filings being challenged.
[Example of Reason #1 Here: I voted Republican in the last primary because ***. I can assure you that I am an active Democrat and have been involved with several local and national groups ***.]
[Example of Reason #2 Here: I just moved from X state and as such, I haven’t had the opportunity to vote in an Indiana Primary.]
I respectfully ask that you reconsider contesting my candidacy or, if that is not possible, please place me on the list of potential appointments as I am eager to stay involved with my local party.
Thank you for your consideration and look forward to hearing from you,
-[Your Name Here]
Contact info for Party Leadership can be found below.
✅ Ask the County Party to confirm Chair Myla Eldridge and Party leadership will be present at the hearing on Friday, February 20.
Would-be candidates deserve a fair opportunity to address questions with the Chair and party leadership in regards to the challenge made against them.
Because would-be candidate’s challenges re: eligibility are made by the County Chair and not the Election Board, would-be candidates will likely not have an opportunity to present their argument during the February 20 meeting.
Despite this, would-be candidates should make an effort to show up, and ask the County Party questions re: their challenge.
✅ Contact the Media
Encourage media to attend the Public Meeting on Friday, February 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m. City/County Building - Public Assembly Room, 200 E. Washington St. Indianapolis IN 46204
Marion County Democratic Party and Election Board Contact Information:
Thank you to everyone who helped share information and piece this together as we work to support affected individuals.
In collaboration and transparency,
-Karla, Blythe and our collective communities.
