Ben Smaltz Elected Indiana House Speaker After Huston Loss

Auburn Representative Ben Smaltz was selected as the next speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives on Wednesday. The House Republican Caucus made the choice following a shift in party leadership after Fishers Representative Todd Huston lost his reelection bid Tuesday. The caucus also named Berne Representative Matt Lehman as majority leader and North Liberty Representative Jake Teshka as majority caucus chair.

Smaltz said he was honored to be selected by his colleagues to serve as speaker-elect and lead the House Republican caucus. He noted that while the previous night’s election results were disappointing, Republicans maintained the majority in the House. Smaltz stated the caucus will continue to champion common-sense, fiscally responsible leadership. He added that the group will focus on lowering the cost of living, growing the economy, and expanding opportunity for Hoosiers across the state.

In the Indiana Senate, the Republican Caucus formally voted on its leadership team Wednesday. The group elected Charlestown State Senator Chris Garten as Senate president pro tempore for the upcoming General Assembly session. Garten named Bedford State Senator Eric Koch as majority floor leader. The caucus also elected Leo State Senator Tyler Johnson as majority caucus chair.

Garten said in a statement that both Indiana and the country are at a point that requires bold leadership. He expressed humility regarding his caucus members naming him the next Indiana Senate president pro tem. Garten emphasized that Senate Republicans do not take the opportunity to serve lightly. He said they know they must earn their constituents’ trust each and every day.

House Democrats made no changes to their leadership team, according to House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta. Senate Democrats plan to make their leadership choices Friday. Under Senate rules, the Democratic caucus will also weigh in on Garten’s selection when the Legislature meets for Organization Day on Nov. 17.

Democrats entered Tuesday’s election with 30 of the 100 seats in the Indiana House of Representatives. They needed to flip four seats to break the Republican supermajority. Lawmakers will gather at the Statehouse on Nov. 17 for Organization Day, the ceremonial start of the 2027 General Assembly session.

Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Braun posted a statement on X congratulating Garten and Smaltz on their new leadership roles. Braun said he and the new leaders have worked together to deliver results on issues important to Hoosier families. He expressed eagerness to continue that collaboration and stated that their shared focus must remain on addressing kitchen table concerns, lowering costs, and ensuring affordability remains at the center of their work.