Indianapolis official La Keisha Jackson to fill role of late state Sen. Jean Breaux

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Democrats have chosen an Indianapolis official to fill the legislative office of state Sen. Jean Breaux, who died last month at the age of 65.

The Indiana Democratic Party said a precinct caucus chose Indianapolis City-County Councilor La Keisha Jackson on Thursday night in a 30-15 vote.

Jackson will serve out the remainder of Breaux’s term through November once she is sworn in.

Jackson has represented District 15 in east Marion County since 2014 and is a nonprofit executive.

“I cannot walk in her shoes because those are big shoes to follow,” Jackson said of Breaux in a news release. “But what I do promise you is I will advocate, work hard, listen, and fight the good fight!”

Breaux, who represented parts of northeast Indianapolis and Marion County, died of an unspecified health complication March 20. She was absent from the legislative session that began in January and concluded in early March. She said through her office in February that she had “encountered an infection of unknown origin” during the holiday season.

Breaux was elected in 2006 and served as the assistant Democratic leader from 2012 to 2020.

Breaux’s name will remain on the May 7 primary ballot under state law, the Democratic Party said.

A second party caucus will select a replacement for the November general election ballot by early July, the party said.