Sen. Shelli Yoder will replace Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, as Senate minority leader after the public learned about three more women who accused Taylor of sexual misconduct.
Yoder, D-Bloomington, was elected to the position Wednesday, according to a release from the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus, which did not include a vote count.
Yoder, who was elected in 2020, represents Monroe County, which includes the Indiana University-Bloomington campus. In her tenure, she has authored numerous bills, from a sales tax exemption for menstrual hygiene products to an assessment of wetlands classified as wildlands.
In the 2024 session, Yoder and Sen. Vaneta Becker, R-Evansville, authored an abortion bill that would have re-established the licensure of abortion clinics, changed the statute when an abortion may be performed, and removed the eight-week limitation on the use of an abortion-inducing drug. The bill did not make it out of committee.
“Yoder brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advocacy, particularly in reproductive rights, educational access and health care equity,” according to the release.
Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis, was elected assistant minority leader, Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, as caucus chair, Sen. La Keisha Jackson, D-Indianapolis, as assistant caucus chair and Sen. J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis, as caucus whip, according to the release.
Taylor, who served as leader since 2020 and was reelected to the role last month, has been accused of sexual misconduct by six women. In the release, the caucus thanked Taylor “for his dedicated service as Senate minority leader.”
State Sen. Rodney Pol, D-Chesterton, left, and State Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis, listen to testimony regarding Senate Bill 209 on proposed gun laws on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, at the Indiana Statehouse in Indianapolis. Taylor has stepped aside as Senate minority leader over sexual misconduct allegations. (Michael Gard for the Post-Tribune)
“Taylor’s leadership was defined by his collaborative approach, working across the aisle to find common ground while consistently advocating for fairness and progress, laying a strong foundation for the work ahead,” according to the statement.
Three women accuse Taylor of sexual harassment since he was elected in 2008, according to an Indianapolis Star story published on Nov. 18. The accusations span eight years and involve two instances of unwanted physical contact and a sustained romantic pursuit of an intern.
Legislative leaders were aware of at least one of the allegations, which was formally reported, but it wasn’t released to the public, according to the Indianapolis Star.
A few hours after the article was published, the Senate Democratic caucus met to elect its leadership team for the 2025 legislative session and reelected Taylor as leader. Pol previously said his vote, which occurs under secret ballot, was for Hunley.
Three more women accuse Taylor of sexual misconduct, the Indianapolis Star reported Tuesday. The women accuse Taylor of making unwanted advances, touching them without consent and, in one case, following a legislative intern into the women’s bathroom at a bar and forcibly kissing her against her will.
Pol referred to the caucus statement about the leadership change, which was made the day after the recent allegations were made public. But he said it was time for the caucus to move ahead and prepare for working under Governor-elect Mike Braun’s administration.
“This has been going on for over a month, and we’re ready to move forward,” Pol said.
Pol said he looks forward to working with Yoder in the caucus leadership team.
“Senator Yoder brings an important perspective to the table,” Pol said.
Former state Sen. Karen Tallian said the news around Taylor meant the caucus “focused where they shouldn’t be,” so it was a good move to vote in a new leader.
“That was taking away from the rest of the caucus business,” Tallian said.
Tallian, who worked with Yoder for two legislative sessions, said Yoder has the skills needed to move the caucus forward.
“After the storm that the Democratic caucus went through recently, I think Shelli will be a calming force. She is a peacemaker,” Tallian said.
akukulka@post-trib.com
