BLOOMINGTON — Monroe County Democratic Party chair David Henry will not seek re-election, according to a press release Tuesday.
Henry has served in the position since 2021. His term will end on March 1.
He cited new responsibilities with his family and commitments as an at-large member of the Monroe County Council. He was elected in November and sworn in on Jan 1.
“Serving as a party chair has been a gift,” Henry said in the release. “A chair is only as good as the elected officials, volunteers, friends, neighbors, activists, donors, and candidates that support them and show up to do the work. I could not have done any of what we have accomplished without our whole Democratic family, working together.”
Henry oversaw three elections during his term, including Kerry Thompson’s victory in the 2023 primary election to become the third female mayor in Bloomington’s history.
He also led two unsuccessful recounts for races in the 62nd District and Benton Township in 2022.
Henry filled the District 6 city council vacancy in 2023, after it was revealed candidate David Wolfe Bender did not live in the district. Sydney Zulich was nominated and elected to the seat.
He also lead a caucus for the District 5 city council vacancy in 2024, electing Courtney Daily after Shruti Rana stepped down.
Henry also challenged Republican Randy Cassady’s residency during his run for District 2 Monroe County Commissioner in 2024. Cassady’s changed his residency from District 1 to District 2, but missed the deadline required by state law.
“Four years in party leadership is a lot to ask of a young family,” Henry said in the release. “With my preschooler’s entire life caught up in the political calendar, and half of my older boys’ childhoods punctuated by party fire-fighting, it’s time to step back and let others build upon what we’ve accomplished.”
