Hornedo Calls for Transparency and Fairness in Marion County Democratic Party Eligibility Challenges

Hornedo Calls on Carson to Use His Influence to Protect Grassroots Participation

Monday, February 16​

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Indianapolis, IN — Congressional candidate George Hornedo released the following statement today regarding the more than 100 eligibility challenges filed against Democratic precinct committeeperson candidates in Marion County:

 

“At a time when we are asking people to step up, organize, and strengthen our party from the ground up, we can’t send the message that engagement will be met with procedural hurdles and closed doors.

 

Precinct committeepersons are the backbone of the Democratic Party. They are volunteers—neighbors representing neighbors—and the entry point for civic participation in our local party structure.

 

If individuals were encouraged to file, told they were in good standing, and are now being asked to defend their eligibility en masse, that deserves clarity and transparency. 

 

Broad internal challenges risk reinforcing the perception that the system is more focused on protecting itself than expanding participation.

 

Our party should be growing. It should be welcoming new energy. It shouldn’t be tightening the gate at the very moment people are stepping forward.

 

I am calling on party leadership—including Chair Myla Eldridge—to rescind challenges that aren’t clearly warranted. 

 

Congressman André Carson has long spoken about strengthening grassroots democracy. This is a moment for leadership. I urge him to use his influence to ensure that our party does not appear to be guarding the door against its own volunteers.

 

Democracy is strongest when participation is encouraged, not discouraged. We should resolve this quickly and transparently so we can focus on what truly matters: organizing, winning elections, and serving the people of Indianapolis.”

Hornedo has previously emphasized party-building and grassroots engagement as central pillars of his campaign, calling for a Democratic Party that expands participation rather than constricts it.