Vernon G. Smith
Candidate for State Representative, 14th District
Background
- Occupation
- State representative; retired education professor
- Lives in
- Gary
- Campaign website
- indianahousedemocrats.org
State representative for District 14 since 1990 and ranking Democrat on the House Education Committee; served on the Gary City Council from 1972. Retired in 2025 after 59 years as an educator, including 33 years as an Indiana University Northwest education professor and years as a Gary school principal.
Documented positions
Public safety
Authored a bill requiring domestic violence convicts to surrender firearmsIn office
House Bill 1299 (2026): courts would order surrender and confiscation within 72 hours after a domestic violence conviction. Did not become law.
ReportHouse Bill 1299 (2026 session), "Surrender of firearms for domestic violence crimes" — bill text and digest (HB1299.01.INTR)Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“requires the defendant to surrender: (A) any firearm owned or possessed by the defendant”
Government & transparency
Authored a bill making Juneteenth a state holidayIn office
House Bill 1315 (2025). Did not become law.
ReportHouse Bill 1315 (2025 session), "Designation of Juneteenth as state holiday" — bill text and digest (HB1315.01.INTR)Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“Establishes Juneteenth as a state holiday.”
Voted against the 2025 mid-decade congressional redistricting billIn office
House Bill 1032 would have redrawn Indiana's congressional districts mid-decade. The House passed it 57-41 on Dec. 5, 2025 (Roll Call 28, which lists each member's vote); the Senate defeated it 19-31 on Dec. 11, 2025. Smith is listed among the nays.
ReportHouse Roll Call 28: House Bill 1032 (Redistricting), third reading, Dec. 5, 2025Government record · Indiana House of Representatives · Dec 5, 2025 · iga.in.gov
“Roll Call 28: Bill Passed HB 1032 - Smaltz - 3rd Reading”
All sources (7)
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election (Lake County offices and districts)
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Representative Vernon Smith — member page
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
- State Rep. Vernon G. Smith — member biography
Government record · Indiana House Democratic Caucus · indianahousedemocrats.org
- House Bill 1299 (2026 session), "Surrender of firearms for domestic violence crimes" — bill text and digest (HB1299.01.INTR)
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
- House Bill 1315 (2025 session), "Designation of Juneteenth as state holiday" — bill text and digest (HB1315.01.INTR)
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
- House Roll Call 28: House Bill 1032 (Redistricting), third reading, Dec. 5, 2025
Government record · Indiana House of Representatives · Dec 5, 2025 · iga.in.gov
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.