INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana House Republicans selected Rep. Ben Smaltz of Auburn on Wednesday to serve as the next Speaker of the House, stepping in after incumbent House Speaker Todd Huston lost his reelection bid in Tuesday’s elections.
Along with choosing Smaltz, the House Republican Caucus named Rep. Matt Lehman of Berne as majority leader and Rep. Jake Teshka of North Liberty as majority caucus chair.
Despite what caucus leaders acknowledged as a challenging election night, Republicans retained their majority in the House. Democrats entered the election holding 30 of the 100 seats, needing four flipped seats to break the Republican supermajority.
“I’m honored to be selected by my colleagues to serve as Speaker-elect and lead the House Republican caucus,” Smaltz said in a statement. “We had a disappointing night last night, but Republicans maintained the majority in the House, and we will continue to champion the common-sense, fiscally responsible leadership Hoosiers expect and deserve. We will continue to build on the progress we’ve made in Indiana and focus on the issues important to Hoosiers – lowering the cost of living, growing our economy, and expanding opportunity for Hoosiers across our state.”
Leadership Updates Across the Statehouse
- House Democrats: House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta announced Wednesday that House Democrats made no changes to their existing leadership team.
- Senate Republicans: The caucus formally voted to confirm its leadership team for the upcoming legislative session. State Sen. Chris Garten of Charlestown was chosen as Senate president pro tempore. Under Senate rules, the full Senate—including the Democratic caucus—will vote on Garten’s selection during Organization Day.
- Senate Republican Leadership Roles: Garten named Sen. Eric Koch of Bedford as majority floor leader, while the caucus elected Sen. Tyler Johnson of Leo as majority caucus chair.
- Senate Democrats: Senate Democrats plan to select their leadership team on Friday.
In a statement following his election, Garten emphasized the need for “bold leadership”.
“I am incredibly humbled that my caucus members have named me the next Indiana Senate president pro tem,” Garten said. “Senate Republicans do not take the opportunity to serve lightly. We know we must earn our constituents’ trust each and every day.”
Senate Republicans stated their priorities for the session will include strengthening schools, defending personal freedoms, scrutinizing tax dollar allocations, and pursuing additional tax cuts. Meanwhile, Democratic leaders voiced hope that their gains in the midterm elections would push the Statehouse toward a stronger focus on economic affordability and everyday issues.
Lawmakers will formally convene at the Indiana Statehouse on Nov. 17 for Organization Day, marking the ceremonial start of the 2027 General Assembly session.
