Carolene Mays has demonstrated inspired leadership with her election to the Indiana House of Representatives. During her first campaign for political office in 2002, Mays was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives from District 94, which is 
encompassed in the 7th Congressional District. Mays won her district with 64 percent of the vote that year, and satisfied citizens gave her 71 percent of their votes for a second term in 2004. Due to Mays’ high esteem in the district, crossover appeal to non-Democrats, and respect among her constituents in the community, local Republicans decided to not field a candidate against her in the 2006 election. In over 95 percent of precincts in District 94, Mays received the highest number of votes of any candidate running in any position in both 2004 and 2006.
In the Indiana House, Mays serves as an active member of several influential committees, including the Ways and Means Committee, Public Health Committee, and the Small Business and Economic Development Committee of which she serves as the vice-chair. In her time serving in the Indiana House, Mays has authored, co-authored, or supported many legislative efforts including an increase to key funding for: spinal cord and brain injury research, the addition of more caseworkers to the Department of Child Services, the revitalization of the Lafayette Square Mall area, enabling more children to receive needed treatment from dental hygienists at school, reducing regulations on small businesses, and keeping senior citizens safe by requiring the installation of smoke detectors and sprinkler systems in nursing homes.
Mays is especially proud of two legislative efforts that led her to draft bills in response to the growing rates of domestic violence cases and the increase in fatalities from kidney disease. With respect to her domestic violence initiative, in 2003 and 2004, Mays presented a series of bills designed to safeguard unemployment insurance for individuals who were forced to be away from work due to domestic violence. The legislation prohibits anyone convicted of an act of domestic violence from owning a firearm and provides courts the authority to order an individual to pay certain fees and expenses in a divorce or separation agreement if that person committed domestic violence against their spouse. In responding to the needs of constituents living with kidney disease, the 2007 General Assembly passed a Mays proposal that requires the state’s Medicaid disease management program to include education as part of the benefits of being evaluated for kidney disease which affects over 500,000 Hoosiers.
In the current session of the Indiana General Assembly, Mays has authored or sponsored legislation that will, among other things, provide a sales tax exemption for parents buying certain clothing and supplies for children in school, strengthen guidelines for health practitioners performing spinal adjustments, and expand the state’s stroke prevention task force.
Mays’ main political strengths include a desire for bipartisan cooperation, a positive and non-controversial legislative record, and a strong working relationship with both business and labor sectors of the community. With considerable experience as a business leader and as a public servant, Mays has the knowledge and skills that will be necessary to advocate effectively in Washington D.C. for all constituents of the 7th Congressional District. In addition, Mays brings several personal, inspiring life experiences overcoming challenges that are relevant to voters who are now facing similar challenges in their daily lives. Mays past leadership illustrates that her compassion and commitment to serve is equally shared will all individuals regardless of income or background. Mays' vision is not about serving one group over another, but rather her vision is based in a new, focused leadership style that will bring people together to get the results we need today to positively move our community forward with hope, direction, and purpose.
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