Tallian Becomes First Democrat To Announce Attorney General Bid

Sen. Karen Tallian (D-Ogden Dunes) became the first Democrat to announce a 2020 bid for Attorney General Wednesday.

Democrats are hoping to win a race for the office for the first time in more than two decades.

Tallian, an attorney, has served in the Indiana Senate since 2005. She’s been a leader in her caucus on foreclosure and pension issues. And she’s perhaps best known by many as the General Assembly’s fiercest advocate for marijuana legalization.

Democrats are targeting the attorney general race next year because of what most view as incumbent Republican Curtis Hill’s vulnerability – he allegedly groped four women last year, including a state lawmaker. While not criminally charged, he does face a civil lawsuit and attorney discipline.

Hill already has a Republican challenger, Indianapolis lawyer John Westercamp. Each political party will choose their nominee at next summer’s statewide conventions.

Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5