Mark Spencer described leading in the race for District 3 Indiana State Senator as gratifying.
“I am most appreciative of the voter base and the constituents who trusted me with their vote,” he said. “It’s nothing I take lightly. I know that it’s quite the responsibility to re
As of Tuesday night, Spencer, a Democrat, led in the District 3 race over his opponent, Will Miller, a lifelong Republican and member of the NAACP. Spencer had 73% of the vote, according to unofficial totals.
District 3 encompasses parts of Gary, Merrillville, Hobart and Lake Station. State Sen. David Vinzant currently holds the position, but Spencer beat him for the Democratic nomination in May.
Vinzant was selected in a January Democratic Party caucus to fill the seat, which Gary Mayor Eddie Melton left vacant after he was elected in November 2023 and inaugurated Dec. 30.
Spencer believes his experience as a member of the Gary Common Council will help him as a state senator.
“The desires of the various towns and cities of District 3 are important to me,” Spencer said. “I need to know exactly what they are in need of so I can represent them accurately and swiftly.”
Spencer plans to advocate for increased funding in public education and to advocate and support local businesses. He also wants to focus on preserving Lake Michigan, lessening pollution and keeping the water clean.
“This district is very important to me,” Spencer told the Post-Tribune in September. “I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work.”
Spencer also thanked Miller for a dignified race.
“(Miller) is a very passionate individual who loves our community very much,” he said. “For those traits, I have the utmost respect for him.”
Miller on Tuesday night didn’t respond to a request for comment.
If elected, Miller planned to focus on education, small business development and economic growth within District 3, which he said are “interrelated and strategically intertwined.” He also believes the district’s workforce development resources must improve, especially as technology and artificial intelligence improve.
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
