Zay resigns Senate following IURC appointment

Indiana State Senator Andy Zay (R-District 17) has resigned from the Indiana Senate after being appointed by Gov. Mike Braun to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC), where he will serve as chair. His resignation will take effect January 8, 2026.

Zay has represented District 17 since 2016 and previously served as the ranking member of the Senate Environmental Affairs Committee. During his tenure, he also served on the Commerce and Technology; Pensions and Labor; and Utilities committees.

Gov. Braun announced the new IURC appointments last Friday. The commission serves as the state’s administrative agency overseeing utilities, with a mission to ensure that utility providers deliver safe, reliable service at just and reasonable rates.

In addition to Zay, Braun appointed Anthony Swinger of Marion County and former state senator Bob Deig of Vanderburgh County to the commission.

“The new commissioners are aligned with Gov. Braun’s commitment to making energy affordable for families and businesses,” the governor’s office said in a press release.

In a statement, Zay described his service in the Indiana Senate as “a tremendous honor.”

“This transition allows me to continue serving Hoosiers across Indiana in a new capacity while remaining focused on issues critical to the future of our state,” Zay said. “Representing Senate District 17 has been a privilege, and serving as a voice for the families, businesses, and communities in northeast Indiana has been among the most meaningful aspects of my time in the General Assembly.”

Zay added that he is proud of his legislative accomplishments and expressed gratitude to staff, state agencies, and community leaders.

“While my role as a public servant is changing, my commitment to serving Hoosiers remains the same,” he said. “I look forward to beginning this next chapter and working alongside fellow commissioners and stakeholders to ensure Indiana’s utility system continues to meet the needs of families, businesses, and communities across the state.”