GARY | Darren Washington is set to announce his Democratic run against incumbent state Sen. Earline Rogers.
Washington is an at-large member of the Gary Community School Corp. board and serves as its president. He also is a chief deputy at the Lake County recorder's office.
"I will support a legislative agenda that will equally promote economic growth in Hobart, Lake Station, Gary, Merrillville, Crown Point and New Chicago," Washington said in a statement Friday. "We must work together to introduce and support legislation that will strengthen public safety in our communities and support equality in education."
Washington said he will work to encourage job growth and support unions as well.
"Right-to-work legislation is not necessary and not the solution," he said.
Washington also is pushing for increased education funding.
"The governor has cut the public education budget by $300 million and now has the opportunity to help Hoosiers return to work by refunding school district's their portion of the $320 million that was recently found," he said.
Washington has a bachelor's degree in political science from Millikin University in Decatur, Ill., and a master's of public affairs degree from Indiana University Northwest. Prior to his work at the county, he worked in real estate investment as a shopping mall area manager for Simon Property Group.
Rogers is seeking her sixth term in office and has served in the state Legislature since 1984.
Washington will make a formal announcement at the Gary Genesis Center at 6:30 p.m. Friday.
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