INDIANA — Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard today announced he is running for Indiana Secretary of State as an independent, arguing that Indiana’s elections require independent leadership at a time when voters are increasingly dissatisfied with both major parties.
“Both political parties are broken, and we’re the ones paying the price,” Ballard said. “When politics becomes this toxic, it’s essential to have an independent voice overseeing our elections. In Indiana, that’s the job of our Secretary of State.”
A statewide survey conducted October 4–7, 2025, by North Star Opinion Research found that 41% of Indiana voters identify as independents, compared to 29% Republican and 21% Democrat. The same poll found 88% of voters say they would be likely to support an independent candidate they agreed with who had a chance to win, and 69% say the two-party system leaves too many people out.
Separate polling conducted October 24–November 1, 2025, by InAct, LLC, tested a potential three-way Secretary of State race and found Ballard immediately competitive:
- Beau Bayh (D): 31.5%
- Diego Morales (R): 28.5%
- Greg Ballard (I): 23.8%
- Undecided: 16.3%
Among voters ages 18–34, Ballard leads the field with 31.8%.
Ballard said his campaign has two core purposes: ensuring independent oversight of Indiana’s elections and opening the ballot to future candidates who do not feel at home in either party.
“During the past few years, I’ve met so many good people who want to step up and serve like I did, but don’t feel like they have a place in either party,” Ballard said. “Like me, they’re on the outside looking in.”
“Under Indiana’s rules, our campaign for Secretary of State will unlock a place on the ballot for those good people beyond this year.”
Ballard served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps and eight years as mayor of Indianapolis.
“I will not be the Republican or Democratic Secretary of State,” he said. “I will be your Secretary of State.”
Hoosiers who want to learn more about the campaign, get involved, or support the effort can visit gregballard.com.
About Greg Ballard
Greg Ballard served two terms as Mayor of Indianapolis from 2008 to 2016 after winning a surprise upset victory as a political newcomer and former Marine with no prior elected experience. Often described as “not a politician,” Ballard built a reputation for focusing on the nuts and bolts of government rather than partisan maneuvering.
During his tenure, he guided Indianapolis through the Great Recession without laying off city employees, renegotiated a $1.8 billion sewer consent decree with the Environmental Protection Agency that saved ratepayers an estimated $740 million, created a $450 million infrastructure fund through the sale of the city’s water utility, and helped bring the 2012 Super Bowl to Indiana. His administration also oversaw major downtown residential growth, expanded bike and cultural infrastructure, and launched the nation’s first all-electric car-sharing program.
A 23-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps who retired as a lieutenant colonel, Ballard later built a career in the private sector. He and his wife, Winnie, live in Indianapolis and have two adult children.
