Indiana State Senate District 31 covers the northeastern corner of Indianapolis and the Fishers area in Hamilton County -- specifically the city of Fishers, the Geist reservoir community, and parts of Lawrence Township in Marion County. It spans portions of Marion, Hamilton, and Hancock counties.
This is one of Indiana's few politically competitive state senate seats. In 2018, long-time Republican Sen. Jim Merritt barely survived a challenge from Democrat Derek Camp, winning 51.4% to 48.6% -- a margin of just 1,609 votes. After Merritt retired, the Republican caucus appointed Kyle Walker to fill the seat in 2020. Walker won election in 2022 with 55.4% against Democrat Jocelyn Vare's 44.6% -- more comfortable than Merritt's squeaker, but still well below the 70%+ margins that characterize most Indiana senate seats.
Walker is not seeking reelection. His departure is wrapped up in Indiana's bitterly divisive mid-decade redistricting fight. Walker publicly opposed the proposed GOP redraw of Indiana's congressional maps, stating that 93% of his constituents opposed it. He was subsequently targeted by swatting attacks -- fraudulent emergency calls designed to trigger armed police responses at his home. He also resigned from his position as executive vice president of MO Strategies, a political consulting firm.
The open seat has attracted the largest field of any Indiana state senate race in 2026: eight candidates, four in each primary. The May 5, 2026 primaries will narrow each side to one nominee for the November 3 general election.
Historically, this is an expensive district. Campaign spending in the 2022 cycle alone totaled $1.9 million. Both primaries will require candidates to raise and spend real money.
The Republican primary features two candidates with significant institutional support and local government experience in Fishers. Albright has the broadest endorsement portfolio -- Banks, Americans for Prosperity, Indiana State Police Alliance, Indiana Chamber -- while Ditlevson has the Fishers Mayor's backing. They are competing for the same Fishers establishment vote, which could split that base.
The Democratic primary features a clear frontrunner in Kerry Forestal, whose name recognition and institutional stature as Marion County Sheriff far exceed the other three candidates. His nearly 50 years in law enforcement neutralize the typical Republican advantage on public safety issues. His 65%+ margins in Marion County sheriff races demonstrate a proven ability to win votes across party lines.
The supermajority math makes every seat count. Republicans hold 40 of 50 state senate seats. The supermajority threshold is 34. Democrats need seven net gains to break it -- an improbable target. But every seat that flips narrows the margin. SD-31, with its competitive history and a strong Democratic candidate, is the kind of seat that chips away at structural advantages one district at a time.