1 DAY AGO

Candidate Interview: Todd Shelton

In this episode of Hold ’em Accountable, I sit down with Todd Shelton, Democratic candidate for Indiana State House District 25, to talk about what it actually feels like when factories close, wages stall, and communities are left behind—and what real leadership should look like in response. Todd isn’t speaking from theory. He worked at General Motors. He lived through a plant shutdown. He saw jobs shipped overseas and stepped up as a union committeeman to fight for working families who didn’t have a voice. That experience shaped everything that came next—military service, higher education through the GI Bill, teaching, and building a small business right here in Indiana. This conversation dives into the real issues facing District 25 (Anderson, Alexandria, Pendleton, Atlanta) and communities across Indiana: 🔹 Job loss and economic recovery in working-class communities 🔹 Workforce training and bringing back good-paying jobs 🔹 Healthcare access and long wait times for Hoosiers 🔹 Public school funding and teacher support 🔹 Small business growth vs corporate advantage 🔹 What accountability in government should actually look like This isn’t about party talking points. It’s about whether Indiana is going to keep sending the same voices to the Statehouse—or start sending people who’ve actually lived the consequences of those decisions. Todd Shelton is making the case that representation should come from experience, not distance. Now the question is: will voters agree? 👇 Watch the full interview and decide for yourself. 📢 Subscribe for more Indiana political interviews, debates, and accountability content: 👉 @Holdemaccountable-g4c 🎧 Also available on Spotify & Apple Podcasts #IndianaPolitics #ToddShelton #HoldEmAccountable #WorkingClassPolitics #IndianaElections

33 min

3 DAYS AGO

Candidate Interview: Devon Wellington

Indiana’s 29th District is changing—fast. From Noblesville’s rapid growth to rising property taxes, school funding battles, and housing affordability concerns, families across Hamilton County are asking the same question: Is growth helping us… or leaving us behind? In this episode of Hold ’em Accountable, retired Marine and host Derrick Holder sits down with Devon Wellington, Democratic candidate for Indiana State House District 29, to break down what’s really happening on the ground—and what leadership should look like moving forward. This isn’t surface-level politics. This is about real policy, real consequences, and real people. 🔍 What We Cover in This Interview:▪️ Noblesville growth & development How do you balance economic growth while preserving community identity and affordability? ▪️ Property taxes & affordability crisis Why broad tax cuts may miss the people who need relief the most—and what targeted solutions look like. ▪️ Public education funding in Indiana The fight over vouchers, public school stability, and what’s happening behind the scenes in state policy. ▪️ Mental health & workforce shortages Why access isn’t just about funding—but about building a system that actually works. ▪️ Small business vs corporate advantage How national chains and policy decisions are reshaping local economies. ▪️ Housing affordability & outside investors Why Hamilton County is seeing a surge in out-of-state ownership—and what it means for families. ▪️ How policy actually gets made Not the headlines—the real process behind legislation and where influence happens. 🇺🇸 Why This MattersDistrict 29 isn’t just another race. It’s a snapshot of what’s happening across Indiana and the country: Rapid suburban growthRising costs of livingStrain on schools and infrastructureAnd growing frustration with leadership that feels disconnectedThis conversation goes beyond party lines and gets to the core issue: 👉 Who is government actually working for? 🎙️ About Hold ’em AccountableThis show is built on one idea: Give the people direct access to the people asking for their vote. No spin. No shortcuts. Just real conversations about policy, priorities, and accountability. 👉 If you care about Indiana politics, local elections, public schools, or the future of your community—this is a conversation you need to hear. 👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share to keep these conversations going. So stay informed, ask questions, and as always—hold ’em accountable. #IndianaPolitics #Noblesville #PublicEducation #PropertyTaxes #LocalGovernment

36 min

6 DAYS AGO

Candidate Interview: Jack Chance

What happens when someone who’s actually lived the struggle steps into politics? In this episode of Hold ’em Accountable, I sit down with Jack Chance, Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 30, covering Kokomo, Greentown, Swayze, and surrounding communities. This isn’t a polished political pitch. This is a real conversation about what working-class Hoosiers are dealing with right now—and why so many feel like the system isn’t built for them anymore. Jack Chance isn’t a career politician. He’s worked fast food, loaded docks, welded metal, managed housing, and spent years helping families on the edge of losing everything. Now, he’s stepping up to run for office with a focus on housing affordability, labor rights, healthcare access, and economic dignity. We break down the issues that matter most in Indiana’s 30th District: 🔹 Rising housing costs and why the “free market” isn’t so free 🔹 Union jobs, right-to-work laws, and the future of manufacturing in Kokomo 🔹 The EV transition and protecting Hoosier workers 🔹 Rural neglect—why small towns like Greentown and Swayze keep getting left behind 🔹 Public education funding and the fight over school vouchers 🔹 Healthcare access, addiction, and the real cost of economic despair 🔹 Utility costs, corporate profits, and who’s really paying the price We also put Jack through the Hold ’em or Fold ’em round—rapid-fire questions that cut through the talking points and get straight to where he stands. This conversation is about more than one candidate. It’s about whether working-class voices still have a path to representation in Indiana—and what happens when someone decides to stop managing the damage and start challenging the system itself. 📍 If you live in Kokomo, Howard County, Grant County, or anywhere in Indiana, this is your conversation too. 👇 Drop your thoughts in the comments. Do you think the system is working for working families—or against them? 🎙️ Subscribe for more real conversations with candidates across Indiana #IndianaPolitics #WorkingClass #UnionJobs #AffordableHousing #HoldEmAccountable

37 min

1 APR

Candidate Interview: Kristina Moorhead

Indiana’s 29th State Senate District is at a crossroads. From Zionsville and West Clay to Claremont and the communities surrounding Indianapolis, this district is growing rapidly. New housing, rising property values, expanding schools… but also increasing pressure on infrastructure, affordability, and quality of life. So the real question is: who’s shaping that future? In this episode of Hold ’em Accountable, I sit down with Kristina Moorhead, Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate District 29, to break down what voters are actually facing and what real representation should look like in a fast-changing suburban district. We dig into: 🚧 Infrastructure challenges and road funding across Central Indiana🎓 Public school funding vs vouchers and charter expansion💰 Property tax reform and affordability concerns🏥 Healthcare costs, Medicaid, and the Healthy Indiana Plan🏘️ Housing shortages in high-growth suburbs like Carmel and Zionsville🏛️ Local control vs state government interference🤝 How to pass real legislation in a divided State SenateKristina brings over 20 years of policy experience, especially in healthcare, and offers a detailed look at how state-level decisions impact real Hoosier families. And as always, we close it out with Hold ’em or Fold ’em — where the talking points stop and the real positions come out. Why This MattersIndiana politics isn’t just about party lines — it’s about whether families can afford to live, work, and raise their kids in the communities they call home. District 29 represents a growing piece of that story, where suburban expansion meets real economic pressure. This conversation is about accountability, transparency, and making sure voters hear directly from the people asking for their trust. 📍 District Covered: Zionsville, West Clay, Carmel, Claremont, and surrounding Indianapolis-area communities 🎙️ Show: Hold ’em Accountable with Derrick Holder 👉 If you care about Indiana politics, state policy, or the future of growing communities… this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. So stay informed, ask questions, and as always—hold ’em accountable. #IndianaPolitics #StateSenate #KristinaMoorhead #HealthcarePolicy #HoldEmAccountable

22 min

30 MAR

Candidate Interview: Rev. David Greene, Sr.

If you live in Indiana State Senate District 29, you’re already feeling it. The traffic. The construction. The rapid development. The rising property taxes. The pressure on schools and infrastructure. But the bigger question is this: 👉 Who is this growth actually working for… and who’s stuck paying for it? In this episode of Hold ’em Accountable, I sit down with Rev. David Greene, Sr. to break down the real issues impacting communities across West Clay, Zionsville, Traders Point, Eagle Creek, Clermont, and Chapel Hill. This isn’t political spin. This is about what’s happening on your street, in your schools, and in your wallet. We dive into the biggest challenges facing District 29 and Indiana voters heading into the 2026 election: 🔹 Property taxes and rising home insurance costs 🔹 Smart growth vs unchecked development 🔹 Public school funding and teacher shortages 🔹 Traffic congestion and infrastructure planning 🔹 Protecting Eagle Creek and water quality 🔹 Mental health access and healthcare affordability 🔹 Government accountability and transparency District 29 sits at the crossroads of suburban expansion and long-established neighborhoods. And right now, families are asking real questions: Are developers being held accountable?Are taxpayers footing the bill for poor planning?Are decisions being made with the community… or for it?Rev. David Greene, Sr. brings a perspective shaped by decades of community leadership, public service, and coalition building. His focus is on affordability, accountability, and protecting quality of life for the people who already live here. Because this isn’t just about growth. It’s about whether that growth benefits Hoosiers… or burdens them. 📌 If you care about Indiana politics, local elections, property taxes, education, or the future of your community, this is a conversation you need to hear. 👉 Subscribe for more candidate interviews, policy breakdowns, and real conversations that hold leaders accountable. #IndianaPolitics #PropertyTaxes #LocalGovernment #Election2026 #HoldEmAccountable

22 min

27 MAR

Candidate Interview: Kirsten Root

What’s really happening in Indiana Senate District 21? In this episode of Hold ’em Accountable, I sit down with Kirsten Root to break down the real issues impacting Hoosiers right now, from mental health and public safety to education funding, housing costs, and government accountability. This isn’t political theater. This is about what’s actually hitting your kitchen table. District 21 spans fast-growing suburbs like Westfield and established communities like Kokomo and Tipton. And across all of them, one thing is clear: families are being squeezed. Rising costs, limited healthcare access, underfunded schools, and policy decisions that feel disconnected from everyday life. One of the most urgent issues we discuss is the mental health crisis. Law enforcement across the district is saying the same thing: jails have become the largest mental health providers in their communities. That’s not sustainable, and it’s not what public safety is supposed to look like. We also dive into: Public school funding vs voucher expansionHousing affordability and property tax pressureRural vs suburban investment gapsBroadband access and telehealth expansionGovernment transparency and lobbyist influenceKirsten Root brings a perspective shaped by real-world experience as a social worker and public servant, focusing on practical solutions instead of political talking points. If you care about Indiana politics, working families, or the future of your community, this is a conversation you need to hear. 👉 Subscribe for more candidate interviews, policy breakdowns, and real conversations that hold leaders accountable. #IndianaPolitics #MentalHealthCrisis #KirstenRoot #HealthcareAccess #HoldEmAccountable

27 min

25 MAR

Candidate Interview: Scott Houldieson

In this episode of Hold ’em Accountable, I sit down with Scott Houldieson, Democratic candidate for Indiana State Senate District 1, covering Lake County communities like Highland, Griffith, Schererville, and St. John. We break down the real issues facing Northwest Indiana: rising costs, stagnant wages, property taxes, infrastructure challenges, public school funding, and access to affordable healthcare. Scott, a longtime United Auto Workers (UAW) member and community advocate, shares his perspective on working-class struggles, corporate influence in state government, and what it means to put people over profits in Indiana politics. We also discuss environmental protection, union jobs, local control, and the future of economic development in one of Indiana’s most industrial and rapidly evolving regions. If you care about Indiana politics, labor rights, local elections, or how state decisions impact working families, this is a must-watch interview. 📍 Northwest Indiana is at a crossroads. The question is: who is fighting for working families? 👉 Subscribe for more Indiana political interviews, debates, and accountability content. #IndianaPolitics #NorthwestIndiana #LakeCountyIN #UAW #LaborRights #WorkingClass #Election2026 #HoldEmAccountable #LocalPolitics #UnionStrong

21 min

23 MAR

Candidate Interview: Racheal Bleicher

In this episode of Hold ’em Accountable, I sit down with Rachel Bleicher, Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 24, covering Westfield, Sheridan, Carmel, and Boone County. We break down the real issues facing one of Indiana’s fastest-growing suburban districts: rising housing costs, childcare affordability, public school funding, infrastructure strain, and responsible economic growth. Rachel shares her vision for working families, smart development, fiscal responsibility, and keeping public dollars in public schools. We also discuss how to balance rapid population growth with community character and long-term sustainability. If you care about Indiana politics, local elections, suburban growth, or how state government decisions impact your daily life, this is a must-watch interview. 📍 District 24 is changing. The question is: will leadership change with it? 👉 Subscribe for more Indiana political interviews, debates, and accountability content. #IndianaPolitics #WestfieldIN #IndianaHouse #LocalPolitics #Election2026 #HoldEmAccountable #SuburbanGrowth #PublicSchools #WorkingFamilies #IndianaDemocrats

20 min

Hold 'em Accountable

Candidate Interview: Todd Shelton

Candidate Interview: Devon Wellington

Candidate Interview: Jack Chance

Candidate Interview: Kristina Moorhead

Candidate Interview: Rev. David Greene, Sr.

Candidate Interview: Kirsten Root

Candidate Interview: Scott Houldieson

Candidate Interview: Racheal Bleicher

About

Information

Hold 'em Accountable

Episodes

Candidate Interview: Todd Shelton

Candidate Interview: Devon Wellington

Candidate Interview: Jack Chance

Candidate Interview: Kristina Moorhead

Candidate Interview: Rev. David Greene, Sr.

Candidate Interview: Kirsten Root

Candidate Interview: Scott Houldieson

Candidate Interview: Racheal Bleicher

About

Information