Greg Ballard, the Lincoln Party candidate for Indiana secretary of state, will soon become the third contender in the race to air television advertisements across the state. Ballard's campaign announced Thursday that its first broadcast ad is set to begin airing Monday, marking a significant development in the November 3 election.
This initiative by the Lincoln Party candidate signifies the first time in at least decades that a candidate outside the Republican or Democratic parties has conducted a widespread television campaign for a statewide office. Ballard's campaign released its initial 30-second ad, which highlights his 23-year career in the Marine Corps and his eight years as the Republican mayor of Indianapolis from 2008 through 2015. The ad emphasizes Ballard's stance as an independent, aiming to foster professionalism and create opportunities for more independent-minded Hoosiers to seek office.
Ballard's campaign has committed to an initial week-long ad buy of $50,000, with plans to increase this investment closer to Election Day. This push follows substantial advertising efforts by the other major candidates in the race.
Last month, the state Republican Party launched a $1 million advertising campaign in support of GOP candidate Max Engling. This campaign includes ads critical of Ballard, specifically referencing tax increases and crime that occurred during his tenure as Indianapolis mayor. Democratic nominee Beau Bayh also began airing television advertisements in mid-August. Bayh's ads have featured negative content targeting Engling, but have not mentioned Ballard directly.
In a statement, Ballard shared his perspective on the campaign's progress, noting its continued achievement of what he called the “impossible.” He highlighted the collection of 74,000 signatures to secure a spot on the ballot, despite initial skepticism from observers. Ballard also pointed to the campaign's success in raising sufficient funds to air television ads, stating, "Serious statewide candidates have to be on television. Now we are.”
The effort to collect the necessary petition signatures through June cost Ballard's campaign nearly $800,000. The Lincoln Party, which legally formed in June, stands to gain automatic ballot placement for its future candidates if Ballard secures at least 2% of the total vote in the secretary of state race.
