Indiana is building a bit of a reputation for introducing the US to LGBTIQ+ politicians, with mayor Pete Buttigieg's presidential campaign paving the way for others in Mike Pence's home state.
Josh Owens, the CEO of Indianapolis-based tech company SupplyKick, has this week announced that he's running to be the Democrat party's nominee for governor. If elected, Owens would become the state’s first openly gay major party gubernatorial candidate.
According to Pink News, the candidate is running on a platform of education, while also focusing on issues including the decriminalisation of marijuana, climate emergency action, and protecting LGBTIQ+ people from workplace discrimination.
In a statement, the 34-year-old said: “I’m running for governor now because I believe in an Indiana where teachers are paid what they deserve and where all are welcomed, respected and protected.
“We need a leader who will ensure our state budget, policies and laws reflect a bold and inclusive vision for collective Hoosier success.
He continued: “Today, many Indiana teachers have to work second jobs and even then, they spend their own money on classroom supplies.
"As a businessman, I know every Hoosier in the workplace matters, and leadership is required to solve this problem and finally pay them fairly.”
Indiana hasn't had a Democratic governor in more than 14 years, with Republican Eric Holcomb, a former running mate of Mike Pence, holding firm as the incumbent.
If Owens ousts Holcomb, however, he would become only the third openly gay governor in US history, behind Oregon’s Kate Brown and Colorado’s Jared Polis.
