Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard today announced he is running for Indiana Secretary of State as an independent, arguing that Indiana’s elections require independent leadership at a time when voters are increasingly dissatisfied with both major parties.
“Both political parties are broken, and we’re the ones paying the price,” Ballard said. “When politics becomes this toxic, it’s essential to have an independent voice overseeing our elections. In Indiana, that’s the job of our Secretary of State.”
Independent Voters Now Outnumber Both Parties in Indiana
A statewide survey conducted October 4–7, 2025, by North Star Opinion Research found that 41% of Indiana voters identify as independents, compared to 29% Republican and 21% Democrat. The same poll found 88% of voters say they would be likely to support an independent candidate they agreed with who had a chance to win, and 69% say the two-party system leaves too many people out.
Separate polling conducted October 24–November 1, 2025, by InAct, LLC, tested a potential three-way Secretary of State race and found Ballard immediately competitive:
- Beau Bayh (D): 31.5%
- Diego Morales (R): 28.5%
- Greg Ballard (I): 23.8%
- Undecided: 16.3%
Among voters ages 18–34, Ballard leads the field with 31.8%.
Unlocking the Ballot for Others
Ballard said his campaign has two core purposes: ensuring independent oversight of Indiana’s elections and opening the ballot to future candidates who do not feel at home in either party.
“During the past few years, I’ve met so many good people who want to step up and serve like I did, but don’t feel like they have a place in either party,” Ballard said. “Like me, they’re on the outside looking in.”
“Under Indiana’s rules, our campaign for Secretary of State will unlock a place on the ballot for those good people beyond this year.”
Ballard served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps and eight years as mayor of Indianapolis.
“I will not be the Republican or Democratic Secretary of State,” he said. “I will be your Secretary of State.”