The Hamilton County Democratic Party held its first Torchbearer Gala on Friday, Nov. 14, drawing elected officials, candidates and local supporters to The Hawthorns Golf and Country Club in Fishers.

Party Chair Josh Lowry said the event, themed “A Light in the Darkness,” was designed to underscore the party’s focus on building momentum for upcoming election cycles. “We chose the future of the Democratic Party,” Lowry said, adding that the goal is to support and invest in candidates running in 2026 and beyond.

Speakers included Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun and State Sen. Andrea Hunley. Video remarks were also provided by U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna and newly sworn-in U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva. Additional attendees included State Sen. JD Ford, State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, Fishers City Councilor Bill Stuart, Carmel City Council Member Anita Joshi, and State Rep. Carey Hamilton of Indianapolis.

The gala highlighted the party’s slate of candidates for the 2026 state legislative races. The group includes Racheal Bleicher for House District 24, Joel Levi for House District 37, Lasima Packett for Senate District 31, Stephanie Jo Yocum for House District 88, and Tiffany Stoner for House District 25. Party leaders described the candidates as central to efforts to break the Republican supermajority at the Statehouse.

Nocona Canady-Flatt, the party’s events chair, closed the evening by thanking attendees, donors and volunteers. She praised supporters for staying engaged despite what she described as a challenging political climate. “You continue to fight through the fatigue of the endless news cycle to show that hope is possible, change is necessary, accountability is worth fighting for, and that light always defeats darkness,” she said.

Canady-Flatt encouraged guests to continue supporting the party’s work. “May we all continue to hold the torch to light our path through the dark,” she said.