Region Roots
Sen. Rodney Pol Jr. is currently in office as the State Senator for District 4, proudly representing Portage, Ogden Dunes, Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Porter, Michigan City, Westville, Pines, Beverly Shores, Michiana Shores, Dune Acres, Long Beach, and Furnessville.
He was born and raised in Northwest Indiana, graduating from Chesterton High School in 2002. He was an Americorps Member, serving as a student coordinator for the 21st Century Scholars Program for Porter County and Gary while attending Indiana University Northwest before transferring to and graduating from IU-Bloomington. During his undergraduate studies, Rodney supported himself by working residential construction jobs in Northwest Indiana, giving him a real life experience within the labor force in the Region.
He graduated from Indiana University's McKinney School of Law in 2010 and worked for various public agencies in Indianapolis, including the Indiana House of Representatives, the Indiana Department of Education, and the Marion County and Indiana Public Defender's Office. In 2014, Rodney and his family returned to Northwest Indiana when he accepted a position as the City Attorney for the City of Gary, where he continues to work to this day.
In 2021, Sen. Karen Tallian made the tough decision to step down after 16 years honorably served in the Senate. She vetted numerous people before deciding to support Rodney as her replacement. He went on to be elected by the Democratic Party where he was quickly assigned to the Pensions and Labor, Local Government, Criminal Law, Public Policy and Environment Committees, all of which Rodney uniquely had substantial experience in. He has had an immediate impact in the Senate as a voice of reason and strong legal mind working across the aisle to ensure District 4's interests were best served.
After being elected, it was discovered that Rodney was the first Latino Indiana State Senator and is currently the youngest in the Senate at 37 years old. He serves alongside Indiana Supreme Court Justice Chistopher Goff and numerous state agency and organization leaders as members on the Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council as well as a member of the Indiana Commission on Hispanic and Latino Affairs.
Rodney is married to an amazing Michigan City School Teacher and Duneland School Board Member, Alayna Lightfoot Pol and has two daughters in Duneland Schools. He is a fierce advocate for public education, labor unions, and our environment. He is also a musician and avid local music fan and supporter.
In addition to professional life dedicated to public service, the first thing their friends and family will tell you is that Rodney never forgot where he came from or who he's been fighting for. Committed to change our community for the better, Rodney does his best to stay connected and accessible to our district. Please explore the site and feel free to reach out if you have any questions
