BLOOMINGTON – David G. Henry announces his campaign for Monroe County Commissioner in District 1 in 2026.
A Monroe County Council member, management consultant, and past chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Party, David is running for a new direction for Monroe County.
“Times are tough,” David remarked. “Our community is facing so many challenges, from expensive housing to fewer opportunities for working people. We need a county government focused on making the plans that make Monroe County a little cheaper, and a lot fairer for everyone trying to make it.”
Henry is seeking the Commissioner seat held by Lee Jones, who announced in 2022 that this term would be her last on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners. “This election isn’t going to be about nostalgia, but what’s happening now in our community. We have heard talk about housing, childcare, criminal justice reform, and jobs for over a decade, but nothing will change until we stop talking and take a new direction in the Courthouse. Now is the time for curiosity, for innovation and for transparency. Change is here; whether we adapt or not is what’s on the ballot.”
“I want to see a Monroe County where people aren’t just surviving here, but are thriving here too. It will take new voices on the County Commission to make a county for all of us,” said David.
Joining David’s campaign team are Bloomington City Council member Courtney Daily as Chairwoman, Bloomington City Council member Sydney Zulich as Campaign Manager, and Monroe County Auditor Brianne Gregory as Campaign Treasurer.
“As a city council member, I value county partners who bring experience, steadiness, and a collaborative mindset to the table. David Henry has consistently shown that he listens openly and works thoughtfully to build strong city-county relationships. I’m grateful for leaders like him who help our community move forward together,” said Council member Daily.
“David Henry is a leader who is prepared to meet the moment with the decisiveness and ferocity required to protect the residents of Monroe County and provide them with high-quality services that meet the needs of all. In a world where it is much easier to fold than fight, I am proud to support someone who has always brought fire, solutions, and a get it done attitude to serve this community,” said Councilmember Zulich.
“David Henry is not afraid of facing the hard topics in a world that is changing – and that includes our local community. He will lead with intelligence, integrity, and a real heart for our citizens,” said Monroe County Treasurer Cathy Smith.
“When so many people in our community are finding it harder to get by and the pace of change is getting faster, Monroe County can’t afford to simply maintain the status quo. David Henry has a clear vision for people-focused progress, the real-world experience to back up that vision, and the courage to fight for real solutions that align with our community’s values,” said 2024 Indiana House District 62 Candidate Rev. Thomas Horrocks. “He is the right person at the right time to help lead our community into the future.”
About David Henry
David Henry currently serves as Monroe County Council member at-Large. With over 20 years of governmental and non-governmental experience, David brings his years of management and leadership know-how to the Commission. He has worked in project management consulting in Washington, DC, with various federal agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services, CDC, Homeland Security, FEMA, Justice, Veterans’ Affairs, and Energy and state and city governments nationwide. He has also been a senior management fellow to the District of Columbia Government, where he supported human resources and risk management programs, and a senior policy analyst at the bipartisan National Governors Association in Washington, DC.
If elected, David would be the only commissioner with experience working in county government as professional staff, having worked for the Monroe County Health Department as the county’s pandemic and bioterrorism emergency coordinator. His strong connections with elected officials, business, and community members countywide position him to foster collaboration.
David was unanimously elected Chair of the Monroe County Democrats in January 2022 through this past March. David is also on the Indiana University O’Neill School teaching faculty, where he created the university’s homeland security studies minor. He is a past member of the boards at the National Academies of Science Institute of Medicine on pandemic preparedness, and the Transportation Research Board on evacuations during times of disaster.
He has served in leadership roles in community organizations, including the Monroe County Plan Commission, Convention and Visitors Center Board, Monroe County Board of Elections, the Monroe County Medical Reserve Corps, and the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter. He is also a member of the NAACP, Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, and Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce, and a three-time Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.
Originally from Pennsylvania’s Appalachia outside of Pittsburgh, and raised in the Ohio “Rust Belt” near Cleveland, David moved to Bloomington in 2002 to earn his Master of Public Affair from the IU O’Neill School. He resides in Van Buren Township with his wife, Fiona, and their three children.
For more information, visit David at www.votedavidhenry.com
