Gary attorney and former Gary City Councilperson Ragen Hatcher officially announced that she will run for State Senate District 3 in the May 2020 primary election.
Hatcher, a Democrat, will file with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office at the first available opportunity, making the announcement official.
Hatcher added, “My decision to run for State Senate is grounded in my desire to serve the great people of Northwest Indiana. As a Gary native, I have dedicated my life to serving the people of my community. As a State Senator, I will continue to use my voice for the residents in District 3 and the State of Indiana.”
Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said, “Ragen Hatcher has a track record of being a strong voice for the citizens of Gary and Northwest Indiana. As an expert in tax policy and someone well versed in the judicial system, she understands how to shape Indiana law to ensure that it works for citizens, particularly those who have been historically disenfranchised.
“Her work will become increasingly important as the Indiana General Assembly is forced to deal with the inequity created by tax policies and the judicial system.
“I am excited to support her candidacy for State Senate and know that she will distinguish herself in the tradition of Senators Earline Rogers and Eddie Melton. Gary needs a Senator that understands the needs of the people and who will build the relationships in Indianapolis to ensure that those needs are met.”
The Indiana Senate District 3 seat is currently held by the Honorable State Senator Eddie Melton. Senator Melton has decided to run for governor of Indiana. Upon learning of his decision to run for governor, Representative Hatcher shared with Senator Melton her desire to run for this position.
Melton said, “I have the utmost confidence that Representative Hatcher will continue to serve the citizens of Northwest Indiana in the Senate in the same positive manner she has served in the House. Her experience as an attorney, city councilwoman and State Representative not only qualifies her, but proves that she has the ability to address the issues that impact the people and communities of Northwest Indiana.”
“I fully support Senator Eddie Melton in his decision to run for Governor of the State of Indiana. I would like to continue to build on his accomplishments as a State Legislator. Senator Melton routinely worked across the aisle to push legislation for our constituents. I look forward to continuing this practice. His commitment to the people of Northwest Indiana has been incredibly valuable.
“As a first term legislator, I made many “R” friends in my first session. I hope to continue to build on those relationships as I work to move to the other side of the State Capitol,” stated Hatcher.
Indiana’s Senate District 3 is comprised of the cities of Gary, Merrillville, Hobart, Crown Point, Lake Station and New Chicago.
Ragen Hatcher, current State Representative for District 3 and Former Gary City Council Person, currently works as an Instructor of Management at Purdue University Northwest.
