INDIANA – The Indiana Democratic Party is proud to announce the members of the 2026–2027 Emerging Leaders Project, welcoming the program’s 13th class of rising Democratic leaders from communities across Indiana.
This year’s cohort includes 40 talented young Hoosiers selected through a highly competitive application process. Over the coming year, participants will receive training in campaign strategy, fundraising, communications, public policy, and leadership—preparing them to make a lasting impact as candidates, campaign professionals, party leaders, and community advocates.
“The Emerging Leaders Project provides free, high-quality training for young Democrats who are passionate about public service and strengthening our party,” said Jeff Harris, Chair of Emerging Leaders Project, Inc. “Each year, we select an exceptional group from hundreds of applicants, and this class continues that tradition. Our alumni have gone on to serve in the Indiana General Assembly, run statewide campaigns, hold local elected office, lead Democratic organizations, and manage winning campaigns across Indiana. I’m excited to see the difference this new class will make in the years ahead.”
Since its founding in 2011, the Emerging Leaders Project has helped develop hundreds of Democratic leaders who continue to shape the future of Indiana through public service, political engagement, and community leadership.
Please join us in congratulating and welcoming the 2026–2027 Emerging Leaders Project Class:
- Maxwell Adams, Indianapolis
- Eyeri Antonio Morales Travieso, Bloomington
- Nathan Bienhoff Jr, Columbia City
- Virginia Boling, Peru
- Michael Branham, Brazil
- Karen Byrd, Indianapolis
- Justin Canady-Flatt, Noblesville
- Carter Challance, Bloomington
- Theodore Craig, Portage
- Dakota Crawford, Carmel
- Sharon Cruz, Indianapolis
- Yulissa Cruz-Moreno, Hammond
- Kayla Distler, Newburgh
- Dasha Donald, Terre Haute
- Deanna Dwenger, McCordsville
- Drew Ficociello, Merrillville
- Harrison Glon, South Bend
- Alexander Greulich, Evansville
- Savannah Hart, New Castle
- Celeste LaCoursiere, Indianapolis
- Katie Lugar, Terre Haute
- Jared Martin, Indianapolis
- Steven Mazurkiewicz, Greenwood
- Ana Medina-Seaton, Schererville
- Joshua Nunez, Cicero
- Kevin Peters, Goshen
- Emma Reyn Croghan, Indianapolis
- Julian Schock, South Bend
- Paige Scott, Indianapolis
- Sacha Sharp, Indianapolis
- Asa Sheffer, Forest
- Katelyn Smith, Warsaw
- Kevin Verhoff, Greencastle
- Kaden Vogel, Wabash
- Alexis Weaver, Indianapolis
- Ceven Webb, Indianapolis
- Brittney Weldon, Portage
- Devon Wellington, Noblesville
- Kay Whetstone, Crawfordsville
- Alexandra Wilson, Carmel
