Rep. Linda Lawson to return as Indiana House Democratic Floor Leader

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Linda Lawson (D-Hammond) again has been selected by Indiana House Democrats to serve as Democratic Floor Leader during the 2017-18 sessions of the Indiana General Assembly.

In that post, Lawson – who has served in the House since 1998 – will assist House Democratic Leader Scott Pelath from Michigan City in setting caucus policies and directing debate on issues during House floor sessions. Lawson was first selected for her current post in 2012.

“It has been my honor and privilege to serve beside Linda Lawson in the Indiana House, and I will be delighted to rely upon her Hoosier common sense and wisdom in the upcoming legislative session,” Pelath said. “In her time as a state lawmaker, she has garnered national acclaim for her steadfast work in speaking out against domestic violence and animal abuse, to name just two issues. She will play a crucial role as House Democrats speak out for the people of this state.”

Lawson, is a long-time member of the Hammond community, was the first female police officer for the Hammond Police Department and went on to retire at the rank of captain. During her 24 years for the department, she worked as a patrol officer and with the sex crimes and domestic violence divisions, where she gained a great deal of knowledge and experience.

She is a graduate of Gavit High School and attended classes at Indiana University Northwest.

Lawson served as a member of the Hammond School Board for 12 years.

Lawson represents Indiana House District 1, which encompasses most of Hammond and all of Whiting. She has served as the chair of the House Judiciary Committee and on such legislative committees as Environmental Affairs, Courts & Criminal Code, Veterans Affairs & Public Safety, Family Affairs, Education, and Labor.

Lawson has two grown daughters and a very special granddaughter, Genavive. She was married to the late Jim Hornak.