Indiana Political Action Committee for Education Endorses State Sen. J.D. Ford for U.S. House

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Political Action Committee for Education (I-PACE) today announced its endorsement of state Sen. J.D. Ford for the U.S. House of Representatives in Indiana’s 5th Congressional District, citing his longstanding record of supporting Indiana’s public schools, educators, students and working families.

Throughout his eight years in the Indiana Senate, Ford has made public education a central part of his legislative service. He has served as ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development and has repeatedly advocated for greater investment in Indiana’s public schools and the educators who serve Hoosier students. In recognition of that work, the Indiana State Teachers Association (ISTA) honored Ford with its Friend of Public Education Award in 2022.

“J.D. Ford has demonstrated through his actions, not simply his words, that he understands the critical role public education plays in the future of Indiana,” said Jennifer Smith-Margraf, ISTA president. “At a time when educators need champions who will listen to them, respect their profession and fight to ensure every student has access to a strong public school, J.D. has consistently stood with Indiana’s educators. We are proud to stand with him.”

Ford’s legislative record includes efforts to improve educator compensation and working conditions. He has advocated for increased teacher pay and authored or supported legislation addressing teacher compensation and collective bargaining. His legislative proposals have also sought dedicated preparation time for teachers, increased tax relief for educators purchasing classroom supplies with their own money and greater attention to educator safety and workplace injuries.

Ford also pursued legislation calling for a closer examination of appropriate class sizes and professional caseloads within Indiana schools, including caseloads affecting speech-language pathologists and other education professionals. These efforts reflected his broader focus on ensuring educators have the time, resources and working conditions necessary to serve students effectively.

His advocacy has extended directly to students and families. During debate over Indiana’s reading and third-grade retention policies in 2024, Ford offered an amendment requiring schools to establish a process through which parents could appeal a decision to retain a third-grade student. The amendment was adopted as lawmakers considered the legislation.

Ford has also consistently raised concerns about diverting public dollars away from traditional public schools. As the ranking Democrat on the Senate education committee, he has advocated directing taxpayer resources toward public schools available to all Hoosier children and has opposed the continued expansion of public funding for private school programs without comparable public accountability.

His commitment to education extends beyond individual pieces of legislation. Ford holds a master’s degree in education from Purdue University and brought professional experience in education to his work in the General Assembly. In 2025, he was appointed to the Midwestern Legislative Conference’s Education and Workforce Committee, further extending his work on education and workforce policy beyond Indiana.

Throughout his legislative career, Ford has also spoken about challenges affecting students beyond the classroom, including Indiana’s teacher shortage, student mental health and per-pupil investment.

“J.D. understands that supporting public education means supporting the people who make public education possible,” said Randy Studt, chair of I-PACE. “He understands that educators deserve competitive compensation, a voice in their workplaces, adequate preparation time, safe working conditions and the resources necessary to help every child succeed.”

I-PACE’s endorsement reflects Ford’s sustained relationship with public educators and his record in the Indiana General Assembly.

“Indiana educators know J.D. Ford,” said Studt. “We have watched his work in committee. We have watched his votes. We have seen him listen to educators and stand up for public schools. His record demonstrates a commitment to students, educators and strong public schools throughout Indiana.”

Ford is the Democratic nominee for Indiana’s 5th Congressional District in the November 2026 general election. The district includes Hamilton, Delaware, Madison, Grant and Tipton counties and most of Howard County.

ISTA represents educators across Indiana and advocates for strong public schools, respect for education professionals and opportunities for every Hoosier student to succeed. I-PACE is the political arm of ISTA.

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