Republican State Senator Andy Zay of Huntington is on the move, after a recent gubernatorial appointment that has him slated to take over as chair of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC). As reported by FOX59, Zay's new role, beginning January 8, 2026, comes following his resignation from the Indiana State Senate, representing District 17, which covers areas like Grant, Huntington, and Wabash counties.
Zay, who has been in the Indiana State Senate since 2016, will be to quickly begin work as a commissioner come January 12, 2026. Aside from environmental affairs, he has contributed to other legislative committees including commerce and technology as well as pensions and labor. Zay's experience specifically in utilities, as noted by WANE 15, speaks to his involvement in tackling challenges with power consumption and advocating for sustainability at a time when Indiana's demand for energy is growing.
Zay's vision for his work at the IURC is clear, emphasizing the necessity of reliable energy, with affordability being a cornerstone concern. "That is simply it right now," Zay told WANE 15. "It is increasing generation and making sure we have reliable and sustainable energy and making that as affordable as possible."
This reshuffling at the IURC also introduces former Democratic State Senator Bob Deig and Anthony Swinger, of the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, into the commission. Governor Mike Braun justified these appointments, emphasizing the goal "to ensure that Indiana has exceptional utilities without saddling families and businesses with excessive prices," as per Indiana Capital Chronicle. Zay echoed these aims, expressing his commitment to continue serving Hoosiers, according to FOX59.
Due to the Indiana Constitution's restrictions on holding more than one paid office, Zay's departure will prompt a vacancy in the Senate GOP, which requires a caucus of precinct committeemen from his district to select a successor within 30 days, as outlined by state code. The successor will serve out Zay's term, set to expire in November 2026. Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray congratulated Zay on his future undertakings, acknowledging his contributions to the state, detailed by Indiana Capital Chronicle.
