Tech executive to seek Democratic nomination for governor

[TexasTowelie]

INDIANAPOLIS – Josh Owens, CEO of the Indianapolis-based tech firm SupplyKick, on Monday became the second Democrat to get into the race for governor.

“I’m running for Governor now because I believe in an Indiana where teachers are paid what they deserve and where all are welcomed, respected and protected,” Owens said in a statement. “We need a leader who will ensure our state budget, policies and laws reflect a bold and inclusive vision for collective Hoosier success.”

The 34-year-old Shelbyville native joins former state health commissioner Dr. Woody Myers in the race to compete against Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb, who is seeking a second term. A third Democrat, state Sen. Eddie Melton of Gary, also is weighing a bid for governor.

At SupplyKick – which has become one of the state’s fastest growing companies by helping retailers market their wares on Amazon – Owens has put his support for good wages into practice by guaranteeing employees earn a minimum annual salary of $50,000.

Read more: http://thestatehousefile.com/tech-executive-seek-democratic-nomination-governor/39950/

[TexasTowelie]

1. Indiana's first openly gay candidate for governor, businessman Josh Owens, announces historic bid

Businessman Josh Owens announced today he will seek the Democratic nomination for governor. He is the first openly gay major party candidate to do so in the state's history.

Owens, 34, Indianapolis, is the CEO of SupplyKick, a company that develops digital strategies for retailers. Under his leadership, the company has been included in the Inc. 500 list of fastest growing companies in America. The company also won TechPoint’s Best of Tech Mira Award for Scale-up of the Year.

“I’m running for governor now because I believe in an Indiana where teachers are paid what they deserve and where all are welcomed, respected and protected,” he said in a prepared statement. “We need a leader who will ensure our state budget, policies and laws reflect a bold and inclusive vision for collective Hoosier success.”

Owens serves on the boards of TechPoint Indiana, Indy Chamber, the Orr Fellowship and previously chaired the Indiana Charter School Board, according to a news release. He was appointed by former Gov. Mike Pence in 2015 to the charter school board.

Read more: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/elections/2019/09/16/businessman-josh-owens-files-to-seek-democratic-nomination-for-governor/2344503001/