Dems Tap Goodin as House Minority Leader

Indiana House Democrats have selected Terry Goodin (D-66) to succeed Scott Pelath (D-9) as minority leader. Goodin, who was first elected in 2000, says he expects a "lively debate" among Democrats when it comes to putting together priorities for the upcoming legislative session. He says he will also remain in his current position as superintendent of Crothersville Community Schools.

Speaking with the media after today’s caucus, Goodin said Democrats will be focused, and not take a "nuclear bomb approach" to the session. He is a member of the budget and ways and means committees.

While he says House Democrats are still working out their legislative agenda, Goodin says his top priority is to "give the people in the state of Indiana their voice back." He says he’s ready to work with Republicans, who hold a super-majority in the House. 

In addition to his work as Crothersville Schools superintendent, Goodin raises beef cattle on his family farm. He’s a member of the Indiana Farm Bureau, National Association of Basketball Coaches and National Rifle Association, among other organizations. He holds degrees from Austin High School, Eastern Kentucky University and Indiana University.

Pelath announced earlier this month that he would step down as house minority leader and not seek re-election to the House seat that he has held since 1998. He said the decision was, in part, to spend more time with his family. Pelath’s current term concludes at the end of next year.