Senate Democrats reelect Taylor as leader despite harassment allegations
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Democratic Senators (from left) Andrea Hunley, Greg Taylor and J.D. Ford at the Statehouse last year. Photo: Arika Herron/Axios
Sen. Greg Taylor is keeping his position as minority leader, despite sexual harassment allegations.
Why it matters: Taylor is the latest political leader to be accused of harassment, calling into question the culture inside the Indiana Statehouse and the appetite of those in power to do something about it.
Driving the news: Senate Democrats voted yesterday to reelect Taylor as the caucus' leader for the 2025 legislative session.
- The vote came hours after the IndyStar published an investigation into Taylor revealing that three former Statehouse employees accused the lawmaker of inappropriate behavior that made them feel uncomfortable at work.
- Taylor apologized for past behavior in a statement.
The big picture: Misconduct allegations have been made against numerous elected leaders in the last several years, including former Attorney General Curtis Hill and current Secretary of State Diego Morales — both Republicans — and Sen. David Niezgodski, a Democrat from South Bend.
- On the other end of Market Street, the city of Indianapolis is investigating multiple claims of sexual harassment against several former members of Mayor Joe Hogsett's administration.
The intrigue: Taylor, who has represented Indianapolis since 2008, was a no-show at the Indiana Chamber of Commerce's annual legislative preview breakfast Monday morning. He was expected to participate in a Q&A, according to the event's agenda.
- Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the chamber, did not address Taylor's absence beyond telling the audience of business leaders and media that there was "a schedule change this morning."
What they're saying: Senate Democrats present at the Statehouse Monday did not answer questions from reporters, and the communications director for the caucus said members would not be discussing the leadership vote.
- Sen J.D. Ford texted a statement to Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, saying he did not vote for Taylor.
- A caucus statement released after the vote did not acknowledge the allegations.
- A second statement, sent Monday evening, said the caucus was "deeply troubled by the recent allegations of sexual harassment" and called such behavior "unacceptable" and "especially egregious when it involves those in positions of public trust."
- The caucus promised reform and committed to leading by example.
Yes, but: The caucus still voted to reelect Taylor as their leader, after he acknowledged "there have been times when I may have blurred the lines and behaved in a manner that potentially made my colleagues or those who witnessed my actions uncomfortable."
- Sen. Andrea Hunley shared on X Monday night that she also ran for minority leader.
- "While I'm disappointed by the outcome of our caucus leader election, I'm committed to ensuring that changes are made and that leader Taylor is held accountable," Hunley said.
The other side of the Statehouse: "I strongly condemn sexual harassment, no matter who it comes from," said House minority leader Phil GiaQuinta in a statement Monday afternoon. "I cannot ignore this principle simply because a Statehouse Democrat has been accused of sexual harassment."
- Speaking to reporters after the chamber breakfast, House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, was asked if he thinks the Statehouse is a safe place for women to work.
- "I sure hope so," he said. "We fight every day to make sure it is."
What we're watching: Taylor, who has served as leader since 2022, is expected to be at the Statehouse on Tuesday for Organization Day, the Indiana General Assembly's ceremonial start of the 2025 legislative session.
- Last year, he gave a speech and took questions from the press.