J.D. Ford is a Democratic State Senator representing Indiana Senate District 29, which includes portions of Boone, Hamilton, and Marion counties, such as parts of Carmel, Indianapolis, Zionsville, Pike Township, and Wayne Township. Elected in 2018 on his 36th birthday, he made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ member of the Indiana General Assembly and flipped a long-held Republican district. From a working-class family—his father a union truck driver and his mother an assisted living administrator—he was the first in his family to attend college and was inspired by his grandparents' public service roles. Ford resides in Wayne Township with his dog Stella, enjoys swimming, basketball, reading, traveling, and is a member of Theta Chi Fraternity.

Notable achievements include receiving the 2023 Stonewall Champion award, 2022 Friend of Public Education Award from the Indiana State Teachers Association, 2020 Advocate of School Social Work award, and IN Friends Committee on Legislation Award. He has served in key leadership roles such as Minority Caucus Whip, Minority Caucus Chair, and Ranking Minority Member on committees including Education, Veterans Affairs & The Military, and Family & Children Services. Ford also serves on the Medicaid Advisory Committee, Civics Task Force, Redistricting Commission, Jail Overcrowding Task Force, and Distressed Unit Appeals Board.

Education and Political Experience

Education: Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Criminal Justice from The University of Akron; Master of Science in Education with an emphasis on Human Services from Purdue University.

Political Experience: Elected to the Indiana Senate in 2018 for District 29 ; committee assignments include Commerce and Technology , Elections , Family & Children Services , Insurance and Financial Institutions, Pensions and Labor, Tax and Fiscal Policy, and Utilities . Known as an influential problem-solver, he maintains a part-time job outside the legislature. As of recent reports, Ford is running for U.S. Congress in Indiana’s 5th District, potentially vacating his Senate seat in 2027.