Democrats swept key races in Northwest Indiana on Tuesday, securing major wins for U.S. House and state legislature seats critical to Gary and the surrounding areas. Rep. Vernon Smith held on to his Indiana House District 14 seat, defeating Republican Ivan Ursery II handily, securing 72% of the vote. Smith, who was originally elected to […]
Calvin Davis
Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary's government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Valerie McCray Falls Short in Bid to be Indiana’s First Black Woman U.S. Senator
Valerie McCray’s historic bid to become the first Black woman to represent Indiana in the U.S. Senate ended in defeat, narrowing Democratic hopes of controlling the chamber. McCray, a mental health and women’s health advocate, brought a fresh perspective to the race, highlighting issues often overlooked in political discourse. Her loss reflects the ongoing challenges […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
‘Sick of the Divide’: What Drove Gary Residents to the Polls
Gary voters turned out amid cloud cover and rain showers on Election Day. While the presidential ticket pits Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald Trump, local contests also hold high stakes. Voters are choosing congressional representatives, deciding on a new governor, and weighing in on three critical statehouse races — each decision shaping […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Q+A with Will Miller and Mark Spencer: Candidates for Indiana State Senate District 3
Ahead of the upcoming election, Capital B Gary is giving readers the chance to learn more about the candidates appearing on their ballots. These candidates represent the interests of Gary and other Lake County residents and bring their unique perspectives and goals for the community. This year, Gary Common Council member Mark Spencer faces Republican […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Politics & Policy
How the Freedom to Vote Act Could Add 50,000 Black Voters in Indiana
Raymond Powell, a Gary native now living in Indianapolis, wasn’t sure of his voting status after his release from prison. So when he visited the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to update his address, he was taken aback by a simple question from the clerk: “Are you a registered voter?” “They asked if I was a […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Q+A with Vernon Smith and Ivan Ursery II: Candidates for Indiana State Rep. District 14
Ahead of the upcoming election, Capital B Gary is giving readers the chance to learn more about the candidates appearing on their ballots. These candidates represent the interests of Gary and other Lake County residents and bring their unique perspectives and goals for the community. This year, incumbent Democratic state Rep. Vernon Smith faces Republican […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Q+A with Ragen Hatcher and Leslie Dallner: Candidates for Indiana State Rep. District 3
Ahead of the upcoming election, Capital B Gary is giving readers the chance to hear directly from candidates appearing on their ballots. These candidates represent the interests of Gary and other Lake County residents and bring their unique perspectives and goals for the community. This year, incumbent Democratic state Rep. Ragen Hatcher faces Republican challenger […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Black Republicans From Gary Take Rare Shot at State Seats
For the first time in over a decade, two Republicans are challenging Democrats for statehouse seats in a city that has long rejected their party. Their campaigns highlight the challenge of reshaping political narratives in one of Indiana’s bluest cities. While history shows a win for either candidate is unlikely, their campaigns themselves are noteworthy. […]
Posted inLocal Government, Politics & Policy, State Government
2024 General Election: Your Complete Voting Guide for Gary and Lake County
What’s on the ballot? What’s at stake? At the top of the ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are vying for the presidency in a race that could have an enormous impact on the future of reproductive rights, the U.S. Supreme Court, and democracy itself. In the governor’s race between Mike […]
Posted inCriminal Justice, Local Government
Former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince Agrees to Release Conditions in Wire Fraud Case
The conditions of former Gary Mayor Jerome Prince’s release were set this week after he pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges for misusing campaign funds. Prince will be required to turn over his passport and will be restricted to travel within the continental United States. He posted an unsecured bond of $20,000 and will […]
