Jennifer McCormick, a Republican who is the state's superintendent of public instruction, will join Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Eddie Melton this summer on his statewide listening tour.

Melton, a state senator from Gary who is exploring a run in the Democratic primary, has been holding "Hoosier Community Conversation" town halls to discuss education, economic opportunity, raising the minimum wage and reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Melton told IndyStar not to read too much into McCormick's decision to join him on the tour. She hasn't endorsed his campaign. But Melton, who is the ranking Democrat on the Senate's education committee, said the two have common ground on some issues, including the idea of paying teachers more money.

While he's been touring the state, he said, he's heard many concerns from parents, teachers and students, and he decided to ask McCormick to join him.

"We have had a great working relationship during my time in the legislature," he said. "We've worked together on multiple issues, and I think she will bring a lot to the conversations we will have across the state. And she will be able to hear from Hoosiers like I have."

McCormick, who couldn't immediately be reached for comment, said in a news release that Indiana needs more statewide leaders who value the voices of people within the community.

“As State Superintendent of Public Instruction," she said in a prepared statement, "I am optimistic that a potential 2020 gubernatorial candidate has the foresight and the willingness to elevate educational issues and work collaboratively. This next election will direct the future of our state for generations to come. Decisions regarding the education of our children must be at the very heart of that future.”

She has at times been at odds with fellow Republicans, including when they voted to abolish the elected position she holds. Beginning in 2021, which is after her final year in office, the governor will appoint a secretary of education. Republicans selected the date to coincide with her leaving office.

This isn't the first time she's joined a Democrat who was campaigning for office.

In September, she joined then-U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly at a school safety congress in Indianapolis, where she thanked him for his willingness to deliver federal aid to Indiana schools. She did not endorse Donnelly, who two months later was unseated by Republican businessman Mike Braun.

The reaction from Republicans to Monday's announcement was not kind.

"Today's announcement seems to confirm the rumors of the last few weeks: that Jennifer McCormick is auditioning for a new job -- including as the lieutenant governor nominee on the Democrat ticket in 2020," said Indiana GOP chairman Kyle Hupfer. "After being on stage at our Republican Conventions in 2016 and 2018, running on GOP ideals in 2016 and accepting campaign aid from thousands of Republican Party supporters across the state, it begs the question whether Jennifer McCormick is still a Republican. I'm sure someone will ask her that soon."

State Rep. Karlee Macer, D-Indianapolis, also is considering a run for governor.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, has yet to officially announce he's seeking a second term. His campaign has sent out a save-the-date notice for July 13.

Call IndyStar reporter Chris Sikich at (317) 444-6036. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisSikich and at facebook.com/chris.sikich.