As much as Republicans do not want to admit it, but Republican-run states in the Midwest have been drawing larger numbers of immigrants, thus changing the political landscape of the state. Indiana is no exception. Coumba Kebe (she/her), is a millennial first-generation American, the daughter of immigrants from Senegal. Coumba is a small business owner and holds a Masters in Public Health. As her business as a health consultant grew, she became more aware of the severe limitations of America’s healthcare system. Determined to put these limitations into understandable language, Coumba took to TikTok. As her following grew, she was encouraged to run for public office, and she declared her intention to run in January. This CrossFitter and aunt of five has centered her campaign around universal healthcare (including universal reproductive care) and raising taxes on corporations to help fund public programs that strengthen the social safety net, seeing it as the backbone of a strong society and economy.

Where are you based?
Noblesville, IN

What position are you running for?
I am seeking the Democratic Nomination for Indiana State House District 29.

How would you briefly summarize your platform?
My campaign comes down to one thing: people before party. So many of us feel like government has stopped working for us because decisions are often driven by powerful interests and the wealthy few rather than the everyday people our leaders are supposed to represent. My platform is about restoring integrity and putting people back at the center of decision-making. That means defending human rights, making policy based on evidence and facts, and building systems that actually work for the majority of people.

What inspired you to run?
I’ve spent the last decade working in the Senior Care and the Medicaid space, helping families and caregivers navigate an overly complex system. I became increasingly frustrated by the narrative that social safety net programs are overrun by individuals committing fraud, when in reality, families are struggling to access the care they need. Indiana is facing a real healthcare access crisis, and too many people are being left behind. After trying to raise these issues and being ignored by my own representatives, my conscience would no longer allow me to stay on the sidelines. Running for office ultimately felt like the only way to make these issues impossible to ignore.

What change are you hoping to bring to your district and country?
I hope to restore some faith that leadership rooted in integrity is still possible. Too many people feel like politics is controlled by powerful interests, leaving everyday people without a voice. I want to show that everyday people can run for office, stand up for their communities, and lead in a way that truly prioritizes the people they represent.

What do you feel are the most important issues right now, why, and how do you plan to tackle them?
One of the most urgent issues right now is healthcare access. In Indiana, thousands of people remain on Medicaid waiver waitlists while state leaders celebrate the savings from cutting these programs. That raises a serious question about our priorities. We should not be balancing budgets on the backs of Hoosiers who need care. I support investing in care infrastructure and ensuring people can actually access the services these programs are meant to provide.

Another major issue is the growing influence of big tech companies and private utility providers. As these corporations expand in Indiana, we need stronger accountability and transparency to ensure residents are not left paying higher utility costs while corporations increase their profits.

Finally, protecting public education is critical. The majority of Indiana students attend public schools, and we should fully fund public education while providing teachers and students the resources they need to succeed.

America is extremely divided these days. How would you hope to bridge that divide with your constituents to better unite Americans?
We’ve been told to see our neighbors as the enemy when, in reality, many of us have far more in common than we do differences. Across party lines, people are struggling with affordability, access to healthcare, and the feeling that government no longer represents them. If we focus on those shared challenges, we can begin to rebuild a sense of common purpose.

At the same time, unity doesn’t mean ignoring what has happened in our country. We have to be honest about our history and take collective accountability for how we got here so we don’t repeat the same mistakes. For me, bridging that divide starts with being willing to talk to anyone, regardless of party affiliation, because the issues facing our communities go far beyond political labels.

How do you see your unique identity and background to be an asset to you in office?
As a Black woman and the daughter of immigrants, my background has shaped the way I understand the world and the role government should play in people’s lives. Growing up, I was exposed to global history and perspectives that helped me realize early on that the version of events many of us are taught in this country is often incomplete. That experience pushed me to ask deeper questions about power, inequality, and responsibility to one another. I believe that perspective helps me lead with empathy and a stronger commitment to policies that serve the whole community.

What is your motto in life?
“Speak the truth, even if your voice shakes” - Maggie Kuhn

Where can we find out more about you?

Website: https://www.kebeforindiana.com
Instagram: @kebeforindiana29
Facebook: @KebeforIndiana
Tiktok: @kebeforindiana29

Our Favorite Progressive Candidates in 2026 - Coumba Kebe, Indiana House of Representatives District 29