Two Indiana democratic mayors say despite the outcome of the election, local politics has never been more relevant.
Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thomson said she’s focused on serving Bloomington residents and on areas the city can align with the new administration of Governor Mike Braun.
“We were having meetings with Braun's staff when he was on the Hill," Thomson said. "So we have existing relationships there, and they're concerned about many of the same things that we're concerned with.”
Read more: Election 2024 - Indiana Public Media
Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun said he’s focused on progress no matter who is in office.
“Are we on the same sheet of music? Where are we different? And if so, you know, how can we reflect internally here to meet and match his priorities, or at least get close?”
Sakbun said the Democratic Party does need to take a strong look at messaging to gain voters – but that needs to be done at the state and national level.
“I tend to focus on the local aspect of it," he said. "You can get a mere tons of gray hairs thinking about national and state politics, or you can help transform someone's life at the local level.”
Thomson says the party needs to work together and get more people involved throughout the community.
“I think that we need to really be Big Tent people welcome people in. The Democratic Party is not meant to be a close insiders group,” Thomson said.
She said dems shouldn’t be criticizing each other, but making sure they have the tools to succeed in the next election.
