Rep. Terry Goodin selected as new Indiana House Democratic Leader

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana House Democrats today selected State Rep. Terry Goodin from Austin as their new leader, succeeding State Rep. Scott Pelath from Michigan City.

“I am truly humbled by the vote of support shown today by my fellow House Democrats, and I pledge to use this post to encourage a lively debate on the issues that we feel are of greatest concern to the people who live and work in Indiana,” Goodin said. “We want all Hoosiers to feel like they have a voice and will be heard in the halls of state government.

“To my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, I want you to know that we will work with you when the cause is right, and respectfully disagree with you when we feel there is room for improvement in what you are proposing,” he continued. “There is a place to get along, even when we have different points of view.”

Goodin was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2000. He represents the citizens of Indiana House District 66 in Southern Indiana.

“We will use a healthy dialogue with the people of Indiana to form the basis for the proposals we will be advancing during the 2018 session of the General Assembly and beyond,” Goodin said. “We look forward to the challenges to come with great excitement and expectation.”

When not engaged in his legislative responsibilities, Goodin serves as superintendent of Crothersville Community Schools and raises beef cattle on the family farm. Terry and his wife Darcie have three children: a daughter, Grace; and two sons, Berley and Brown.

He is a member of the Indiana Farm Bureau, the Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the National Rifle Association. He is also a member of the F. & A. M. Scott Lodge #120, the Indiana Beef Cattle Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and the Austin Church of God.

Terry is a graduate of Austin High School, earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degrees from Eastern Kentucky University, and received his Doctor of Education degree from Indiana University.