McCormick sees path to governor's office on abortion rights, but impact would be limited
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With less than two weeks until Election Day, there are signs that Indiana's governor's race is tightening.
Why it matters: The next governor will determine major policy positions and direct state agencies, making dramatic impacts on the day-to-day lives of Hoosiers.
Driving the news: While it was widely expected that Republican Sen. Mike Braun would have a relatively easy path to victory, several political watchers have adjusted their ratings of the race this month from "safe" to "likely" Republican, suggesting that Democrat Jennifer McCormick has gained traction.
- The Democratic Governors Association chair visited McCormick's campaign this week and has pumped more than $1 million into her campaign this month.
- The Republican Governors Association has made matching contributions to Braun's campaign.
- Braun's attack ad on McCormick and the state Republican Party's negative mailers targeting Libertarian candidate Donald Rainwater suggest that the GOP may be worried about the state of the race.
What's happening: McCormick told Axios that the change at the top of the national ticket from President Biden to Vice President Kamala Harris has energized voters and — coupled with her policy positions, particularly on abortion rights — has shifted momentum in her favor.
- "It's huge," she said. "I run into not just women, but men too, who are concerned. … They're wondering, 'Where does this end?' — when people are starting to lose their freedoms," she said.
Yes, but: Should she win, McCormick would be limited in what she could do to expand abortion access.
State of play: Indiana lawmakers passed a near-total abortion ban — with limited exceptions in cases of rape, incest or when the life or health of the mother is at risk — in 2022. It took effect last year.
- Republicans are expected to maintain a supermajority in the Statehouse, which makes any legislative action to expand access unlikely.
- Instead, McCormick said she would seek legislative change to create citizen-led ballot initiatives, which could put the issue to voters. But that is also a longshot with Republican lawmakers.
In lieu of legislative action, McCormick's abortion rights plan says she would direct the Indiana Department of Health to "interpret existing laws in a way that maximizes legal access to abortion services."
- The plan also calls for creating a more supportive regulatory environment that would reduce barriers for clinics and providers — moves that could make providers and patients feel more empowered to use what limited access Indiana's current law provides.
Reality check: McCormick continues to be out-fundraised by Braun and trails in all major polls.
The other side: Braun has criticized McCormick's rhetoric on abortion rights, questioning how effective she could be with a Republican legislature.
- Braun has said Indiana has an abortion law that works for Hoosiers.
- His senior adviser, Josh Kelley, said in a statement to Axios that Braun "is in the driver's seat as we head to the finish line."