From Anger to Action: My First Indiana Democratic Convention

For Grace Johnston, attending the Indiana Democratic State Convention wasn't just a day of speeches and voting. It was the culmination of a journey from outrage and helplessness to action, connection, and a belief that ordinary people can help shape the future of their communities.

My journey to becoming a delegate has felt like a theme park ride that starts out slow and terrifying but ends in absolute pure joy.

SCREAMING INTO THE VOID

The Moment I Knew I Had to Do Something

I remember being so angry in the summer of 2022 with the overturning of Roe v. Wade — and then even more angry, borderline enraged, when our country elected Trump again in 2024. Then came my fury over how immigrants in our communities were being treated: an increase of funds and power to ICE agents with no structure, no guidelines, no rules. I work in the hospitality industry and I know firsthand that immigrants are the backbone of our society. The way they were—and still are—being treated hurt my heart, and yet I didn't know what to do to really help.

Then you add in everything else: rising prices at the pump and in the grocery store, utility bills climbing, cuts to Medicaid and CHIP that directly impact our most vulnerable, millions losing SNAP benefits while Congress still gets paid. It became overwhelming, and for the first time in my life, I was truly disappointed to call myself an American. I know I wasn't alone in that sentiment – but like so many, I was at a complete loss as to what I could actually do to make anything even just a little bit better. 

THE LIFE JACKET ARRIVES

Finding my People

Grace's first Carmel Dems Meeting with friend, Jessica Irvine.

Then Jessica Irvine, an old friend from my Carmel High School days, reached out and asked if I wanted to get involved. She'd seen my (angry and, quite honestly, profanity-ridden) stories and posts on social media and knew we were aligned. It was like being thrown a life jacket after screaming for help.

I went to my first Carmel Dems Club meeting on February 3, 2026, and being in that room - with so many like-minded people who truly cared about their communities, who were passionate and motivated and just so genuinely welcoming - was like finally being pulled onto the lifeboat. I decided to become a delegate to be more involved, to be a part of this movement. It may be a drop in the Blue Wave, but I was in it. 

A DROP IN A BLUE WAVE

Finding My Voice

I went to more meetings and speaking events, each one leaving me more inspired and more struck by just how many people out there think and feel the same way I do. I wasn't some lone Democrat in a red sea - there are so many of us here in Carmel, in Hamilton County, in Indiana - and I was finally getting to meet them. I started to feel less angry and began channeling that energy into conversations with friends and family about the Primary, the candidates I'd met and their platforms. I encouraged people to vote - and they did! When the Primary came and went and I learned I'd been elected to represent Hamilton County at the Democratic State Convention, I was ecstatic.

DEMOCRACY IN ACTION

Welcome to State Convention

When the big day finally arrived, a small group of us - Jessica included - piled into my car, dressed in our Dem attire, and headed to Indy. For Rebekah Martin (a wonderful new friend through the CDC) and me, this was our first convention, and we were both grateful to have Jessica as our “tour guide”.

We grabbed our credentials and headed to the 5th District meeting, where we heard from JD Ford, a long list of incredible candidates running for the state legislature, and empowering speeches from Brandon Sakbun and Fady Qaddoura - both of whom I'd never heard speak before, and both were utterly moving. Afterward we made our way to the Indiana Democratic Women's Caucus, which was completely packed - we had to pull chairs from another room and it still wasn't enough. Hearing from women in leadership roles, listening to their stories, seeing what they'd built in their communities - it was incredible and empowering.

INSPIRED AT EVERY TURN

Meeting the People Doing the Work

We broke for lunch, where I was introduced to even more wonderful fellow Dems, and then it was on to the General Session. Opening remarks from Karen Tillian, a passionate speech from Dana Black, a call to unity from Robin Winston, and introductions for the state nominees from the county chairs - including our own Josh Lowry, who gave a heartfelt shoutout to Vice Chair Meredith Fox. Then the candidates running for state office each had one final opportunity to address us all, and every single one delivered a speech that was hopeful and forward-looking - not just for the party, but for Indiana. We even had a little friendly competition for Democratic Spirit by district (which District 5 won!) before heading to vote.

While waiting in line, I met Beth Sprunger, who runs the Precinct Chair (PC) program for Carmel. She told me about her work and encouraged me to look into becoming a PC for Clay 35 - one of those unexpected, connective moments that made the day feel even more meaningful.

'I Voted' Stickers in the INDems State Convention

WHEN DEMOCRACY GETS PERSONAL

Casting My First Delegate Vote

The voting itself was smooth and efficient despite over 2,000 delegates being present, and when Robin Winston went to read the results, the anticipation in the room was palpable. The race for Secretary of State had been competitive and, at moments, heated - that's what happens when you have passionate people and high stakes.

It was then announced that Beau Bayh would be our party's nominee, heading to November's ballot alongside Coumba Kebe for State Treasurer and Jessica Bailey for State Comptroller. There were mixed emotions — genuine disappointment from supporters of Blythe Potter after a very well-run campaign, and real excitement from others.

But the overriding feeling in that room? Absolutely energizing. Win or lose, we had shown up, done our jobs, and represented our communities and our state.

FROM THE LIFEBOAT TO A CREW MEMBER

Hope Is a Team Sport

I left the convention with an overwhelming sense of pride I hadn't felt in a long time - not for myself, but for Indiana and for this country. I felt empowered to stay involved in whatever way I can: to keep pushing, to find more ways to engage in my community, to encourage people not just to vote but to get involved, to keep learning and bring others along.

To go from anger, frustration, and uncertainty to having genuine hope, vision, and a sense of what comes next - that's been one of the most moving experiences of my life. I feel like I've jumped out of that lifeboat and joined a crew of incredible humans surfing a massive blue wave—one that is coming full force this November—and I cannot wait to see what's next.

WE'RE ALL VOLUNTEERS HERE

Big thank you to Grace Johnston for sharing her Indiana Democratic State Convention Story. If you'd like to contribute to our blog, please message us at vice@hamcodemsin.org