INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana State Senator Greg Taylor (D-Indianapolis) has been ousted as Senate Minority Leader after several women accused him of sexual misconduct. Sen. Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington) has been elected to replace him.
The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus announced Wednesday afternoon that they were changing leadership for the upcoming 124th General Assembly. Those changes included removing Sen. Taylor as Minority Leader.
On Tuesday, the Indianapolis Star reported that three more women accused Taylor of sexual misconduct. This came after the publication first published allegations against Taylor by three women last month.
In an interview Wednesday morning with FOX59/CBS4, Taylor denied these allegations.
“These allegations that have come out recently are just… they’re false,” Taylor said Wednesday. “And that’s all I can say about that… I didn’t do the things that people are saying that I’ve done. And I can’t chase a ghost. I don’t know who these people are. And I can’t chase a ghost. I can’t.”
As of Dec. 18, six total women have alleged harassment and misconduct against Taylor. The new allegations include claims that Taylor touched women without their permission, one of whom said he forcibly kissed her.
In a statement sent around 5 p.m. Wednesday, Indiana Senate Democrats expressed gratitude to Sen. Taylor for his “dedicated service” as Minority Leader since 2020.
“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,” the statement read.
No mention of the sexual misconduct allegations against Taylor was made in the release.
Party leaders also announced that Sen. Shelli Yoder of Bloomington has been elected to replace Taylor as Minority Leader.
“Yoder brings a wealth of experience and a passion for advocacy, particularly in reproductive rights, educational access and health care equity,” the release stated.
Rounding out the Democratic Senate leadership team are:
- Sen. Andrea Hunley (D-Indianapolis)
- Assistant minority leader
- Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton)
- Caucus chair
- Sen. La Keisha Jackson (D-Indianapolis)
- Assistant caucus chair
- Sen. J.D. Ford (D-Indianapolis)
- Caucus whip.
Party leadership ended its release by saying that the Democratic Caucus is “united in its vision” and committed to addressing the pressing issues that Hoosiers face.
“As the 124th General Assembly begins, the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus remains steadfast in its mission to prioritize policies that uplift Indiana families and create a brighter future for all Hoosiers,” the party’s release ended by saying.
