While studying at Purdue University, Hale worked various odd jobs to support her son. She later worked as a reporter for The La Porte County Herald-Argus until earning a scholarship to study abroad.[5] After returning to the United States, she worked in the Indiana Department of Commerce and Indiana Professional Standards Board. She later served as an assistant to Governor Frank O'Bannon, where she was tasked with managing state regulatory boards and commissions. In 2004, she joined Kiwanis as a communications officer.[6]
In July 2019, Hale announced her intention to run for Congress in Indiana's 5th congressional district. In June 2019, incumbent Republican Susan Brooks announced that she would not seek reelection.[9][10] On June 2, 2020, Hale won the Democratic primary for the 5th congressional district against State Senator Victoria Spartz. She lost to Spartz in the general election, taking 46% of the vote to Spartz's 50%.[11] This was the closest race in the district since it was reconfigured as a northern suburban district in 1983 (it had been numbered as the 6th until 2003), and only the second time in that period that a Democrat managed 40% of the vote.[12][13] Hale lost seven of the district's eight counties, but was able to keep the race close with a strong showing in her base in Indianapolis; her state house district included much of the district's share of Indianapolis.[14]
Personal life
Hale lives in Indianapolis with her husband Chris. She has one adult son from a previous relationship.[15][16]
