State Rep. Vernon Smith, a Gary Democrat, held a solid lead over GOP opponent Ivan Ursery II Tuesday for the District 14 House seat in the General Assembly.

In unofficial totals with all precincts reporting, Smith was leading by more than 10,000 votes — 72% to 28% — in his bid to retain the seat he’s held since 1990.

“I want to thank the people who voted for me, I try to be a good representative and return all phone calls and answer letters,” Smith said.

“I honestly believe I’ve done my best and hope I return for another term.”

The district includes the south side of Gary, Merrillville and unincorporated Calumet Township.

The candidates presented contrasting viewpoints for voters to compare. Ursery, a Navy veteran who works as a family and community engagement specialist for the Merrillville Community Schools, holds a socially conservative approach to government.

He disliked the strict COVID-19 masking mandates and supported school choice and vouchers for students to attend private schools.

Smith, a lifelong educator and former Gary City Council member, is a retired Gary Community School Corp. teacher and administrator and is an education professor at Indiana University Northwest.

Smith said Ursery’s conservative views clash with voters in District 14.

Smith opposed efforts by Republicans to further privatize education at the expense of traditional public schools.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.