Owens ends gubernatorial bid
INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — The field for the Democratic nomination for governor of Indiana is now down to one. Josh Owens, chief executive officer of Indianapolis-based tech company SupplyKick, has announced he is suspending his campaign and supporting his former opponent, Dr. Woody Myers.
Owens first announced his plans to run for the nomination in September. In a statement issued Wednesday, Owens said he is encouraged about Myers bringing an outsider’s perspective to Indiana’s politics, like he had planned to do.
“Our state needs a champion for public school teachers and students in every community,” Owens said. “Our state needs a leader who will act on universal background checks and climate change innovation. And our state needs an executive who will protect all Hoosiers, and one who represents the diversity of our great state and will bring new inclusive voices to the table.”
Had Owens secured the nomination, he would have been the third-youngest candidate for governor at age 34, as well as the first openly gay candidate.
Myers issued the following statement regarding Owens’ announcement;
“Over the past several months, like thousands of Hoosiers, I have been impressed by Josh Owens and his campaign for Governor. His vision and passion for Indiana has been seen around this great state. I’m humbled and honored by his decision to withdraw from the race so that we can all focus on bringing new leadership to the Governor’s office to create solutions to benefit every Hoosier this November. I look forward to working with him to bring access to affordable health care, high-quality education and good-paying jobs to Hoosiers throughout Indiana.”
You can read Owens’ full statement below:
I got into this race because I believe Indiana needs a bigger, bolder, more inclusive vision for every Hoosier, one not rooted in our last 200 years, but in our next 200. Over the past several months, we’ve earned the support and trust of thousands of Hoosiers who agree.
During this primary, I’ve had many discussions with Dr. Woody Myers about the future of Indiana and the desperate need for new leadership in the Governor’s office. While we have some differences, I’m encouraged that like me, he’s not a career politician. Dr. Myers brings an outsider’s perspective to our politics, which is urgently needed.
One of the things Dr. Myers and I have agreed on is the need to avoid a divisive Democratic Primary. As of today, I will be suspending my campaign and supporting Dr. Myers as he becomes the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor.
Our state needs a champion for public school teachers and students in every community. Our state needs a leader who will act on universal background checks and climate change innovation. And our state needs an executive who will protect all Hoosiers, and one who represents the diversity of our great state and will bring new inclusive voices to the table.
Dr. Myers has the experience, the background, and the vision for success that Indiana deserves. I am proud to be supporting him as he takes our fight into the November election.