INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is one step closer to making Indiana’s 2026 Secretary of State race a four-way contest after submitting more than 74,000 signatures to qualify as an independent candidate—roughly double the number required. While some signatures are expected to be rejected during certification, Ballard expressed confidence that his campaign represents a growing movement of Hoosiers seeking an alternative to the two major parties.

Ballard said his campaign is attracting support from Republicans, Democrats and independents alike, pointing to early polling that he says shows the race is competitive. If certified by the July 15 deadline, he will join Republican Max Engling, Democrat Beau Baird, and Libertarian Lori Schilling on the November ballot.

Ballard’s chances

Indiana’s political panel weighed Ballard’s chances, with analysts suggesting his candidacy could draw votes from both major parties while also reshaping future elections if his newly formed Lincoln Party reaches the 2% statewide threshold needed to gain ballot access.

Supreme Court ruling

A recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling allowing states to prohibit transgender girls from competing on girls’ sports teams. Legal experts said the decision effectively ends federal constitutional challenges to Indiana’s existing law, though debate over the issue is expected to continue.

Panelists also discussed the Supreme Court’s recent birthright citizenship ruling and reflected on America’s 250th Independence Day, emphasizing that while political divisions remain, the nation’s history has repeatedly shown an ability to evolve through debate and compromise.

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