Carolyn Jackson Elected Indiana Black Caucus Chair
Hammond Democrat Carolyn Jackson succeeds Earl Harris Jr. as chairwoman of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus for the next two years.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in People
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The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus elected state Rep. Carolyn Jackson, D-Hammond, as chairwoman on Wednesday. Jackson succeeded state Rep. Earl Harris Jr., D-East Chicago, in the role.
Why it matters
Jackson will help shape the caucus's 2027-28 legislative agenda and work with fellow members to push proposals through the Republican-controlled General Assembly. The leadership change places a Northwest Indiana lawmaker at the helm of the group's policy efforts.
Jackson, first elected to the Indiana House in 2018, will serve a two-year term as caucus chairwoman. Her 1st District covers most of Hammond and all of Whiting.
The players
Carolyn Jackson
Democratic state representative from Hammond who was first elected to the Indiana House in 2018 and now leads the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
Earl Harris Jr.
Democratic state representative from East Chicago who previously served as chairman of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
The details
Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus chose Jackson by vote. The other Northwest Indiana caucus members include state Sens. Lonnie Randolph and Mark Spencer and state Reps. Ragen Hatcher, Nick Neal, Vernon Smith and Earl Harris Jr.
Timeline
Wednesday: The caucus elects Jackson as chairwoman.
2018: Jackson is first elected to the Indiana House.
2027-28: The legislative agenda Jackson helps craft takes effect.
Market Landscape
The caucus's leadership change comes as Democrats in Indiana's General Assembly remain in the minority and must rely on coalition-building to advance their priorities. Jackson's chairmanship places a Northwest Indiana lawmaker at the center of that effort.
Indiana residents may see the caucus's policy proposals on issues affecting Black communities move through the General Assembly over the coming legislative sessions. Jackson's district residents in Hammond and Whiting will have a state representative directing those efforts.
The takeaway
Leadership changes within legislative caucuses can shape which policy priorities reach the floor, so following the group's 2027-28 agenda offers a clear view of its direction. Readers can track the caucus's proposals as they are introduced.
Further reading
For more on Indiana's political figures, see People coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nwitimes.
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