Ragen Hatcher and Darnail Lyles

Hatcher and Lyles want to claim Melton's senate seat

Contributed By:The 411 News

Attorney Darnail Lyles announced first. Now this week, a statement from Indiana State Rep. Ragen Hatcher, and likely more will join the race to claim the 3rd District Senate seat of Eddie Melton who is running for governor.

While Atty. Lyles said he is a forming an exploratory committee, Hatcher said she “will file with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office at the first available opportunity making the announcement official.”

Wednesday, January 8 is the first day candidates can declare for the May 2020 Primary.

Both are Democrats.

Attorney Lyles said his campaign will focus on securing state financing for economic development in Lake County and increasing state support for public schools and teachers.

Lyles has not held public office. He has been a candidate for Gary city judge and for state representative in Indiana House District 3.

Lyles said his exploratory committee consists of Jerome Prince, running unopposed for Gary mayor in November’s General Election and Atty. Tony Walker. Lyles and Walker ran the Prince campaign that gave him a win over Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson in this year’s Primary Elections.

A win for Ragen Hatcher would shift the first-term legislator to the senate side. Hatcher is the current House District 3 Representative. “As a first term legislator, I made many “R” friends in my first session. I hope to continue to build on those relationships as I work to move to the other side of the State Capitol,” stated Hatcher.

Mayor Freeman-Wilson supports Hatcher. “Gary needs a Senator that understands the needs of the people and who will build the relationships in Indianapolis to ensure that those needs are met.”

State Sen. Melton endorsed Hatcher. “Her experience as an attorney, city councilwoman and State Representative, not only qualifies her, but proves that she has the ability to address the issues that impact the people and communities of Northwest Indiana.”

Hatcher was elected twice to serve on the Gary City Council and has been a candidate for Gary’s top office.

Hatcher currently works as an Instructor of Management at Purdue University Northwest.

Indiana's Senate District 3 represents the cities of Gary, Merrillville, Hobart, Crown Point, Lake Station and New Chicago.

Story Posted:10/31/2019