Indiana Democratic gubernatorial candidate Woody Myers finally named his running mate Friday. Former state Rep. Linda Lawson will be the Democrats’ lieutenant governor candidate.

Lawson spent 20 years serving her northwest Indiana House district. In a Facebook video, Myers says beyond her legislative experience, Lawson has spent her career breaking glass ceilings.

“She is smart, experienced and exactly what Indiana needs right now,” Myers says.

Lawson was the first female police officer in Hammond and the first woman to lead the Indiana House Democratic caucus.

In a statement, Lawson, 71, said she was “intrigued” by the opportunity to help Indiana recover from coronavirus and its economic effects.

“I spent several terms on the employment committee in the legislature and know that there will be important issues to deal with over the next few years as a result of the pandemic,” Lawson said. “The more we talked, the more I realized this was the right thing for me to do.”

In addition to her role as captain in the Hammond police force – working with the sex crimes and domestic violence units – Lawson also served 12 years on the Hammond School Board.

The Indiana Democratic Party will affirm Lawson’s candidacy at next month’s state convention.

In a statement, Indiana Republican Party spokesperson Jake Oakman says “I guess someone had to do it.”

The state Democratic Party central committee had to convene an emergency meeting earlier this week to postpone the deadline for Myers to name his running mate.

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