Indiana State Sen. Elect Cyndi Carrasco speaks to reporters following an Indiana GOP caucus at The Atrium Banquet & Conference Center in Indianapolis on Wednesday.
Noah Crenshaw | Daily Journal
INDIANAPOLIS — Southside and Greenwood-area Republicans chose Cyndi Carrasco to replace the late Sen. Jack Sandlin during a caucus Wednesday night.
Fifty-three precinct committeeman from Marion and Johnson counties selected Carrasco over her opponent, former State Rep. John Jacob, who received five total votes for the vacant State Senate District 36 seat. A total of Sixty-eight precinct committeemen were eligible to take part, but only 58 voted during the Indiana GOP’s caucus at The Atrium Banquet & Conference Center on southside of Indianapolis.
Carrasco, who lives in Marion County, was surprised by the overwhelming victory.
“I am speechless. I have to thank each and every one of you today. Thank you John,” she said in her acceptance speech.
She later promised she would not let anyone down. She also thanked Lydia Sandlin, Jack Sandlin’s window for her support.
“I know that Jack would be looking down and smiling,” Carrasco said.
State Senate District 36 covers areas of northwestern Pleasant and northeastern White River Township in Johnson County and a majority of Perry Township in Marion County. The seat was formerly held by Sandlin, a longtime public servant who died suddenly on Sept. 20 at the age of 72.
Carrasco currently serves as vice president and general counsel at the University of Indianapolis, also overseeing the UIndy Police Department. She ran last year for Marion County Prosecutor, losing to Democrat Ryan Mears.
She was also previously the executive director of the Indiana State Ethics Commission and was Indiana’s first female inspector general.
The Daily Journal will post a follow-up story with more information from the caucus on Thursday.
