Help us improve in just 2 minutes—share your thoughts in our reader survey.
Erika Robinson-Watkins
Erika Robinson-Watkins (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Indiana House of Representatives to represent District 4. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Robinson-Watkins completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Erika Robinson-Watkins was born in East Chicago, Indiana. She graduated from East Chicago Central High School. She earned a bachelor's degree from Morris Brown College in 1999, a graduate degree from Indiana University in 2011, and a graduate degree from Ball State University in 2023. Her career experience includes working as an educator, adjunct professor, and administrator.[1]
Robinson-Watkins has been affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- New Mission of Jesus Christ N.D. Church, Inc.
- Safe Haven Ministries
- National Association for the Education of Young Children (Northwestern Region)
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
- Nasty Women of Porter County
- Sisters in Red
- East Chicago Central High School Alumni
- Valparaiso School Board
- Area Career Center Advisory
- Child Care Professional Network
Elections
2024
See also: Indiana House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Indiana House of Representatives District 4
Incumbent Edmond Soliday defeated Erika Robinson-Watkins in the general election for Indiana House of Representatives District 4 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Edmond Soliday (R) | 57.6 | 20,111 |
 | Erika Robinson-Watkins (D)  | 42.4 | 14,800 | |
| Total votes: 34,911 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Indiana House of Representatives District 4
Erika Robinson-Watkins advanced from the Democratic primary for Indiana House of Representatives District 4 on May 7, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Erika Robinson-Watkins | 100.0 | 3,078 |
| Total votes: 3,078 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Indiana House of Representatives District 4
Incumbent Edmond Soliday advanced from the Republican primary for Indiana House of Representatives District 4 on May 7, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Edmond Soliday | 100.0 | 4,720 |
| Total votes: 4,720 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
To view Robinson-Watkins's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Robinson-Watkins in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Erika Robinson-Watkins completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Robinson-Watkins' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
| Collapse all
My journey in public service began in the classrooms of Northwest Indiana, where I witnessed firsthand the challenges and potential of our education system. This experience fueled my passion for creating positive change, leading me to serve on the Valparaiso School Board and now to run for State Representative.
I believe in the power of community and the importance of listening to diverse voices. My campaign is built on the principle that every Hoosier deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their background. I'm committed to bringing fresh, progressive ideas to the Statehouse while staying true to the values that make our district strong.- Protecting Women's Reproductive Rights: I stand firmly for a woman's right to make her own healthcare decisions. In light of recent attacks on reproductive freedom in Indiana, I'll be a strong voice in the Statehouse defending access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including abortion. I believe in trusting women and their doctors, not politicians, to make these deeply personal choices.
- Strengthening Public Education: As an educator with over two decades of experience, I understand the critical role of public education in shaping our future. I'll fight tirelessly for increased school funding, better teacher pay, and inclusive curricula that prepare all students for success. My goal is to ensure every child in our district has access to high-quality education that nurtures their potential and prepares them for the challenges of tomorrow.
- Community-First Approach: My campaign is about bringing people together to solve the challenges we face. I'm committed to listening to and addressing the diverse needs of all constituents in our district. From hosting regular town halls to maintaining an open-door policy, I'll ensure that your voice is heard and represented in every decision I make as your State Representative.
I'd also suggest "Evicted" by Matthew Desmond, which provides insight into the housing challenges many Americans face. These books have shaped my understanding of the complex issues affecting our communities and the need for comprehensive, compassionate policy solutions.
Accessibility and transparency are also vital. I believe in maintaining open lines of communication with constituents and being accountable for my decisions. Lastly, an elected official must have the courage to stand up for what's right, even in the face of opposition.
Empathy and Compassion
Problem-Solving Abilities
Integrity and Accountability
Collaborative Mindset
Passion for Service
This means actively listening to constituents' concerns and bringing those issues to the Statehouse. It involves carefully studying proposed legislation, considering its impacts, and making informed decisions. It also means being accessible to constituents, keeping them informed about state government activities, and helping them navigate state services when needed.
The legacy that I want to leave is to be willing to take a chance, even when the odds are against you, you're the only one in the room, no one thinks you belong, yet, you do it anyway trusting God to fulfill His plan for your life.
While the governor sets the overall policy direction for the state, the legislature plays a crucial role in crafting and passing laws. This relationship should involve open communication, mutual respect for each branch's constitutional roles, and a willingness to find common ground on important issues.
Healthy debate and occasional disagreement are natural and can lead to better outcomes. However, these should never devolve into partisan gridlock that prevents progress on critical issues facing our state.
Addressing our state's healthcare challenges, including high maternal and infant mortality rates and the ongoing opioid crisis, will also be critical. We must work to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare for all Hoosiers. We must also ensure the protection of women's reproductive rights and healthcare throughout all of Indiana.
Environmental protection and climate change adaptation will be increasingly important. We need to balance economic growth with responsible stewardship of our natural resources.
Legislators from diverse backgrounds bring valuable perspectives to the lawmaking process. My experience as an educator and school board member, while not traditional political experience, has given me insights into the real-world impacts of state policies on our communities.
Strong relationships allow for open dialogue, which can lead to compromise and more effective legislation. They also facilitate the sharing of diverse perspectives, which is vital for crafting comprehensive solutions to complex issues.
Moreover, these relationships can help navigate the legislative process more effectively. Understanding colleagues' priorities and concerns can aid in building coalitions and garnering support for important initiatives.
That said, I'm inspired by legislators who prioritize their constituents over party politics, who aren't afraid to reach across the aisle for the greater good, and who maintain their integrity even in challenging situations. I admire those who remain accessible to their constituents and who use their platform to amplify the voices of the underrepresented.
While I never say never, I don't have any current plans or ambitions for other offices. I believe in being fully present and dedicated to the task at hand. If I'm fortunate enough to be elected, my goal will be to serve my constituents to the best of my abilities in this role.
This reduction has placed an immense burden on both her and her family, leading to additional medical complications and daily struggles. It's heartbreaking to think of anyone, let alone someone so vulnerable, being forced to limit their personal care to just twice a day.
This story exemplifies the real-world consequences of budget cuts and policy decisions made far from the lives they affect. It's unacceptable that our state would knowingly let down those who need our support the most. This encounter reinforced my commitment to fighting for adequate funding for essential services and ensuring that our most vulnerable citizens are not left behind.
I believe the legislature should have a role in both granting and overseeing the use of emergency powers. This could involve setting clear parameters for when and how these powers can be used, requiring regular reports to the legislature during emergencies, and establishing a process for legislative review and potential termination of emergency declarations after a certain period.
This bill would allocate funds for hiring more school counselors and mental health professionals, implementing comprehensive mental health education programs, and providing training for teachers to better recognize and support students struggling with mental health issues.
Planned Parenthood
Our Choice Coalition
MAD Voters
Moms Demand Action Candidate Distinction
Mental Health Now
Indiana House Democratic Caucus
State Representative Cherish Pryor - Indiana House Democratic Caucus Floor Leader
State Representative Ed Delaney
State Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn
George Lopez - Professor Emeritus of Peace Studies
Valparaiso City Councilwoman Barbara Domer
Valparaiso City Councilwoman Ellen Kapitan
Center Township Trustee Jesse Harper
Patrick Dalton - Executive Manager at Eli Lilly and Company
Center Township Trustee Board member Debra Fray
Deborah Porter - Retired Teacher and Former Candidate for IN House - 4
Terri Collins
Carolyn Rodea
Deborah Harrison
However, I understand that as a freshman legislator, committee assignments often depend on the needs of the caucus and the legislature as a whole. I'm prepared to serve wherever I can make the most significant positive impact for our district and state.
I support measures to make government financial records easily accessible to the public, including detailed budget information and records of government contracts. I also believe in strong ethics rules for elected officials and government employees, including strict disclosure requirements for potential conflicts of interest.
Regular audits of government agencies and programs are essential to ensure efficient use of resources. I also support whistleblower protections to encourage the reporting of waste, fraud, or abuse in government.
However, there are potential drawbacks to consider. Ballot initiatives can sometimes oversimplify complex issues, and well-funded special interest groups could potentially use the process to push their agendas.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
|
Candidate Indiana House of Representatives District 4 |
Personal |
Footnotes
