Marion Superior Court (Retention) - Ryan Gardner
November 3, 2026 · Marion County, Indiana · County · general
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Low · 0 out of 100
This district is large for its type, so each vote is a smaller slice of the outcome. About 975,809 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(975,809 ÷ 975,809) ÷ ln(975,809 ÷ 5,999) = 0, comparing counties in IN (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: None · only 1 candidate
One candidate is running unopposed, so votes can't change the outcome.
Low representation + an uncontested race → Very low vote impact.
This office is responsible for:
- Hearing trials — criminal cases, lawsuits, family, or probate matters, depending on the court
- Ruling on evidence, motions, and sentences
- Applying state law and court procedure fairly in every case
Affected Areas: Public Safety and Crime Control, Housing Affordability, Civil Rights, Impartiality, Legal Competence
Candidates
Ryan Gardner
Nonpartisan · Incumbent · declared
Ryan Gardner is an incumbent Marion Superior Court judge standing for retention in 2026. He earned a 2025 Indiana judicial education certificate, and the Marion County Judicial Selection Committee found him suitable to serve another term.
Records: Public Safety and Crime Control 1 for
Election sources
Source: in.gov
Source: in.gov
Source: in.gov