Mark Spencer is a Democratic member of the Indiana State Senate representing District 3, which includes portions of Lake County such as Gary, Lake Station, New Chicago, Hobart, Ainsworth, and Merrillville. Born and raised in Gary, Indiana, he assumed office on November 6, 2024, succeeding David Vinzant after winning the general election on November 5, 2024. He is African-American, a member of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, and focuses on education, healthcare, economic development, and the arts. Notable achievements include founding the West Side Theatre Guild, serving as Director of Fine Arts for the Gary Community School Corporation, and prior service on the Gary Common Council as councilman-at-large. Awards include The Times of Northwest Indiana’s “Professionals to Watch,” The Katie Hall Educational Foundation’s “Merit of Distinction Award,” and Gary Frontiers Club’s “Drum Major Award.”

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Bachelor of Arts in Theater from Indiana University; Bachelor of Science in Education from Calumet College of St. Joseph; Master of Education from Indiana Wesleyan University; Honorary Doctorate from GMOR Theological Institute. Alumnus of Emerson School for the Visual & Performing Arts' first graduating class and the first college graduate in his family.
• Political Experience: Elected to Indiana State Senate District 3 in 2024; current committee assignment includes Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Interim Study. Career began as an educator and drum major for the arts; transformed a high school drama club into the West Side Theatre Guild in 1998. Also serves as Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs Commissioner.