Democratic Sen. Jean Breaux, who represented northeast Indy in the Statehouse, dies

Indiana Sen. Jean Breaux, who represented portions of northeast Indianapolis died Wednesday, according to a release from Senate Democrats. She was 65.

Breaux, who was first elected to the State Senate in 2006, served as the assistant Democratic Leader for Senate Democrats from 2012 to 2020, according to her Senate caucus page. She is also the daughter of former state Sen. Billie Breaux, whom she succeeded in office.

“It is a heavy and extremely sad day,” Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor said in a statement Wednesday. “The loss of State Senator Jean Breaux will be profoundly felt by the countless lives she touched and we join so many in mourning the loss of her incredible life.”

Breaux missed the 2024 legislative session as she recovered from an unknown infection, she explained in a statement in February. But Breaux was recognized for bipartisanship and cooperation, including this year when she received the Civility Award from the Association of Retired Members of the Indiana General Assembly.

"I know I speak for my caucus when I say she will be sorely missed," Sen. Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, said in a statement. "She has long been a fierce advocate for her district and always a lovely colleague with whom I truly enjoyed working. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time."

Gov. Eric Holcomb offered condolences to Breaux's family in a statement, noting she "dedicated nearly two distinguished decades of her life serving others."

"The Statehouse will not be the same without her in the chamber, but her spirit and legacy will live on through the countless Hoosiers she inspired," Holcomb said.

Colleagues remember Breaux

Rep. Ed Clere, R-New Albany, served with Breaux in the legislature as well as on the boards of the Indiana Minority Health Coalition and Indiana's CHOICE program, which helps seniors remain independent in their homes. The two worked on a variety of health and human services legislation over the years, including a 2024 bill concerning those with disabilities, the elderly and mental health.

"She was a leader in addressing health equity and a champion for vulnerable Hoosiers, including seniors and people with disabilities," Clere said.

Clere said Breaux had remained private about her illness, and many close to her were not aware of its severity until this week.

"She was a great friend," he said. "It's a big loss for the legislature and the state of Indiana."

Tim Lanane served as minority leader of the Indiana Senate when Breaux was the assistant minority leader. He told IndyStar he will remember her as a good representative of the people, someone who always carefully prepared before making a speech.

"Her guiding star was that she cared for people," Lanane said. "That was why she served in the General Assembly, and she always kept that in mind."

Future of Breaux's seat

Breaux had filed to run for reelection and was unopposed heading into the May 2024 Democratic primary. Party insiders will elect a person to fill the reminder of her Senate District 34 term during a process known as a caucus. The Democratic party will also have to choose a replacement for Breaux on the ballot in November.

Indiana Democrats recently held a caucus in January when Sen. David Vinzant was selected to fill the remainder of the term for Eddie Melton, who resigned in December following his election as mayor of Gary.

Breaux's legislative career

Much of Breaux’s authored legislation revolved around health, women’s rights and equity.

She co-authored a 2021 law that increased mental health services for prison inmates. In 2019, her bill authorizing Medicaid claims for doula service was signed into law as well.

Breaux was also a vocal opponent of Indiana’s near-total abortion ban in 2022.

"In the history of Indiana, this will be a bad day," Breaux said at the time. "There are some in this chamber who rejoice about what we're doing today. I, however, bow my head in shame and sorrow and pray that this regressive and cruel policy fails to become law in Indiana."

The bill was eventually signed into law.

In a 2020 IndyStar op-ed, Breaux took a stand against what she called "bullying and shaming" by her Republican colleagues against women seeking abortions.

Health update

Earlier this week, Breaux shared an update on her health, indicating she would focus on spending “remaining time” with her loved ones.

“I will always be grateful for the trust placed in me by our community, the unfailing support of my colleagues, and the amazing family, friends and allies I have acquired during my time in the Senate,” Breaux said in the statement released Monday. “Representing our community has been a highlight of my life and career, and it has filled me with so much joy and purpose.  I send my eternal love and best wishes to you all.”

Other remembrances flood in

In a joint statement, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates of Indiana CEO Jen Allen and State Director Haley Bougher commended Breaux's tenure in the Statehouse, saying she "fearlessly confronted challenges and championed causes often met with resistance."

"Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of principled leadership, even in the face of unrelenting opposition," the statement from Allen and Bougher reads. "Her fervent dedication to ensuring access to health care and reproductive services for all was not merely a legislative duty but a moral imperative."

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl shared his condolences in a statement.

"Sen. Breaux was a force for good in the Statehouse, advancing health and educational equity, and fighting for the people of Indianapolis," Schmuhl said.

Breaux's family is expected to release more details about a future memorial service.

Contact IndyStar's state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at [email protected] or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X@CarloniBrittany.

Rory Appleton is a reporter at IndyStar. Contact him at [email protected] or follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @RoryEHAppleton.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indianapolis Democrat Sen. Jean Breaux died Wednesday