BLOOMINGTON — As the 2026 election cycle gains momentum, the Bloomington Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has announced a comprehensive two-night Candidate Forum designed to give voters direct access to contenders for local, state, and federal offices.
The event, themed “Fighting Fascism Starts at Home,” will feature 10 candidates running across four different elections. Organizers state the forum aims to ensure representatives truly advocate for the working class while addressing issues of inequality, corporate greed, and authoritarianism.
Both sessions will take place at 6:00 p.m. at the First United Church, located at 2420 E. Third St. For those unable to attend in person, the forum will be live-streamed at bloomingtondsa.org/candidate-forum.
Part 1: Monroe County Focus
Thursday, February 26 at 6:00 p.m. The first night focuses on critical county-level leadership, featuring candidates for the Board of Commissioners and the Prosecutor’s office.
Monroe County Commissioner Candidates:
- David Henry
- Trent Deckard
Monroe County Prosecutor Candidates:
- Benjamin Arrington
- Erika Oliphant
Part 2: State and Federal Focus
Wednesday, March 5 at 6:00 p.m. The second night shifts the spotlight to legislative representation at both the statehouse in Indianapolis and the U.S. Congress in Washington, D.C.
Statehouse District 61 Candidates:
- Lilliana Young
- Matt Pierce
Congress District 9 Candidates:
- Brad Meyer
- Tim Peck
- Floyd Taylor
- Keil Roark
The forum is presented by the Bloomington DSA with support from several local organizations, including the Monroe County Education Association, Monroe County Young Democrats, and the IU College Democrats.
Organizers emphasize that engaging with elected officials is a vital step in creating a representative government. “Meet the candidates and make sure our representatives truly represent us,” the organization stated in their announcement.
