Dr. Woody Myers, a Democrat candidate for governor, announced today that he’s chosen a Brown County resident as his running mate.

Linda Lawson is a former state representative who served northwest Indiana in the legislature for 20 years. She retired to Brown County, and served last year as the Democrat representative on the Nashville Election Board.

“Choosing a lieutenant governor is a critical task, and I did not take it lightly,” Myers said. “I talked to a lot of people over a period of months to find the right fit. Linda brings not only legislative experience and leadership, but also she has broken the glass ceiling numerous times. Linda is an example to all Hoosiers of what can be accomplished with hard work and determination. Indiana needs her intelligence and grit now more than ever and I’m honored she has agreed to be my partner on the ticket.”

Lawson was the first woman to ever lead a caucus in the Indiana House when she was chosen as minority leader in 2012. She also was the first female police officer on the Hammond Police Department and rose to the rank of captain after a long career serving as a patrol officer and member of the sex crimes and domestic violence units.

“I was happy in the gorgeous southern Indiana countryside and keeping my hand in politics. But, I knew I still had a lot more to do for the people of Indiana,” Lawson said in a press release. “When Woody approached me, I was intrigued by the thought of helping Indiana recover from the coronavirus and its economic fallout. I spent several terms on the employment committee in the legislature and know that there will be important issues to deal with over the next few years as a result of the pandemic. The more we talked, the more I realized this was the right thing for me to do.”

Myers said he and Lawson share a desire to reach across party lines to get things done.

Myers served as the Indiana state health commissioner under Republican Gov. Bob Orr and Democrat Gov. Evan Bayh.

Lawson also served on the Hammond school board for 12 years.

Her selection will be affirmed by delegates at the Indiana Democratic Party State Convention which will take place virtually on June 13.