STATEWIDE — The coronavirus pandemic has certainly had an impact on the race for governor in Indiana.
Gov. Eric Holcomb is seeking another term as governor as he has accepted the Republican nomination. State Democrats are putting forth Dr. Woody Myers, former Indiana state health commissioner, to challenge Holcomb.
With exactly three months to go until Hoosiers go to the polls on Nov. 3, Purdue University-Fort Wayne political scientist Andy Downs believes Gov. Eric Holcomb has all the momentum on his side.
“The governor has more than enough cash to run a campaign, a very good campaign, in Indiana,” Downs told Indy Politics. “Woody Myers is struggling to raise that cash, and he really has not broken through with his message about how he would do things differently during the pandemic.”
Downs said Holcomb’s clear showing of unity within his administration on how to handle the spread of coronavirus in Indiana gives him a leg up with voters, especially with his weekly updates on the pandemic.
“It’s clear he’s in control of those events,” added Downs. “He differs to experts when appropriate. The experts are in line with what he is trying to do and the plan he has put forward so you don’t see infighting so to speak.”
Downs feels the governor’s handling of the pandemic has been “well received,” but he does acknowledge the push back Holcomb has gotten from conservative voters over his statewide mask mandate. Downs said though Holcomb may lose a few voters because of it, he doesn’t feel very many conservative Hoosiers will be willing to vote for the Democratic alternative in Myers.
The Libertarian candidate for governor is Donald Rainwater.
