Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Kirsten Root, Indiana State Senate District 21
We are pleased that this cycle, there are so many young progressive women running for elected office in the Indiana legislature (we have profiled several so far)! This week we are adding Kirsten Root (she/her) to that number. A bisexual Gen-Z social worker, Kirsten wants to restore trust and humanity to government. The values that guide her are service, partnerships, integrity, dignity, competence, and social justice. Kirsten’s platform includes universal healthcare, legalization of marijuana, empowering and protecting marginalized communities, strengthening labor unions, and focusing on prevention and rehabilitation over punitive treatment.
Where are you based?
Sheridan, IN. It is a medium rural area, but access to Westfield and Highway 31 makes it easy to travel into Indianapolis and have all of our needs met.
What position are you running for?
IN State Senate - District 21.
How would you briefly summarize your platform?
My platform is centered around providing healthcare for all, abolishing corporate greed, and providing safety and stability for families across Indiana. We support policies that ensure children are fed and cared for while their parents work, corporations pay their fair share, and public programs like schools and emergency services are fully funded. Our government should empower people, not hold them back from their full potential.
What inspired you to run?
As a social worker, I have seen how poor legislative decisions limit people's ability to provide for themselves and their families. Corporations receive handouts while individuals starve, die due to a lack of healthcare, or cannot support their families despite working full-time.
What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I want to bring empathy back into leadership. Those in power have lost touch with the working class and do not understand their hardships. Identity politics has caused a disconnect between the left and the right. There is power in saying "I don't know" or "I made a mistake"; I believe bringing accountability, transparency, and kindness to politics will empower more open conversations.
What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
The United States and Indiana face an erosion of accountability and trust in government. People see institutions and political leaders avoiding action. When people feel that rules apply differently based on power or wealth, it undermines faith in democracy. Decisions are being made for Hoosiers without time for public input or transparency, concentrating power in ways that everyday people lack the time to analyze. For example, Indiana has a growing set of preemption laws that block local governments from making their own rules on issues like wages, housing, and environmental standards. These trickle down to cause issues Hoosiers face every day, including evidence-based policy, housing stability, access to healthcare, and economic security for working families. My approach to this includes transparency, evidence-based policy, and leadership rooted in service.
America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
During my campaign, we brought out people who do not align with us to have uncomfortable conversations in a safe space. I am proud to sit with my discomfort to educate others, understand their points of view, and reach mutual understanding and respect.
I hope to bridge the divide by focusing my campaign on the positive actions I plan to take rather than all of the negative issues that led me to run for office. I don't think we'll come back together if there isn't accountability had across the board, so it is important to me to be open minded and give people space to learn and do better.
How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
I grew up in a blue-collar family, moved to Indianapolis to get an education, and am now a social worker. I have spent my entire life preparing for a career in service. One of my first jobs was as a lifeguard because I wanted to help people, and that was the best way 16-year-old me knew how to do that. During graduate school, I completed internships with the Westfield Fire Department (minimizing 911 utilization) and the IU Free Clinic (providing healthcare and services to unhoused people, immigrants, and other under- or uninsured individuals). I have also helped lead a sex work support group for women in Indianapolis. I have the most experience working in the community in non-executive and legislative ways, so I understand the real issues people are facing. I'm a person of my word who gets things done.
What is your motto in life?
The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.
Where can we find out more about you?
My website links to everything else at rootforindiana.org. I am also on facebook, tiktok (@kirsten.root), instagram (@rootforindiana), and youtube (@rootforin)!
