INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana State Sen. Jean Breaux, a Democrat from Indianapolis, died Wednesday, according to her caucus — just two days after she issued a public farewell.
“It is a heavy and extremely sad day,” stated Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis. He said Breaux’s loss would “be profoundly felt by the countless lives she touched, and we join so many in mourning the loss of her incredible life.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, said he was “saddened to hear” of her death.
“I know I speak for my caucus when I say she will be sorely missed,” Bray continued. “She has long been a fierce advocate for her district and (was) always a lovely colleague with whom I truly enjoyed working. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones during this difficult time.”
Breaux on Monday told constituents that it was time to “focus on enjoying the time I have left surrounded by my loved ones” following a “hard-fought battle with my health.”
She highlighted her work in Black infant and maternal mortality, food access, utility affordability, and more. She didn’t explicitly resign, however.
Breaux had previously said she “encountered an infection of unknown origin” during the holiday season. In mid-February, she was “optimistic about returning to work,” but ultimately didn’t appear during the nine-week legislative session.
Read the complete Indiana Capital Chronicle story here.
