Kristi Risk

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Kristi Risk

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

May 7, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Cornerstone University

Personal

Birthplace

St. Joseph, Mo.

Religion

Protestant Christian

Profession

Business owner

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Kristi Risk (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Indiana's 8th Congressional District. She lost in the Republican primary on May 7, 2024.

Risk completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Risk was a 2012 Republican candidate who sought election to the U.S. House to represent the 8th Congressional District of Indiana. She lost in the Republican primary.

Biography

Kristi Risk was born in St. Joseph, Missouri. She earned a bachelor's degree in Christian counseling from Cornerstone University. Her career experience includes owning a business.

Elections

2024

See also: Indiana's 8th Congressional District election, 2024

Indiana's 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 7 Republican primary)

Indiana's 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 7 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Indiana District 8

Mark Messmer defeated Erik Hurt and K. Richard Fitzlaff in the general election for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Messmer (R)	68.0	219,941
		Erik Hurt (D)	29.5	95,311
		K. Richard Fitzlaff (L)	2.6	8,381

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 323,633
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8

Erik Hurt defeated Edward Upton Sein, Michael Talarzyk, and Peter Priest II in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on May 7, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Erik Hurt	45.1	8,204
		Edward Upton Sein	22.5	4,087
		Michael Talarzyk	20.9	3,796
	Submit photo	Peter Priest II	11.5	2,098

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 18,185
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Kellie Moore (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on May 7, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Messmer	38.5	30,668
		John N. Hostettler	19.7	15,649
		Richard Moss	14.1	11,227
		Dominick Jack Kavanaugh	11.8	9,397
		Kristi Risk	9.2	7,350
		Luke Misner	2.9	2,287
		Jim Case	2.6	2,107
		Jeremy Heath	1.2	944

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 79,629
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jon Schrock (R)
• Larry Bucshon (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Risk in this election.

2012

See also: Indiana's 8th Congressional District elections, 2012

Risk ran in the 2012 election for the U.S. House to represent Indiana's 8th District. Risk lost to incumbent Larry Bucshon in the May 8, 2012, Republican primary.

U.S. House, Indiana District 8 Republican Primary, 2012

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Larry Bucshon Incumbent	58%	34,511
Kristi Risk	42%	24,960
Total Votes		59,471

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Kristi Risk completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Risk's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Kristi Risk is the current Republican Chair of the Owen County Republican Party. Kristi also owns Pink House Sweets, a family chocolate manufacturing company in Spencer, IN. Risks career experience tie her deeply to her community where she was as a council member (Treasurer) for 4-H, established a 4-H club, worked as the former director for the pregnancy resource center and a faith-based counselor, served on her church board, helped establish a local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and raised conservation awareness among students through the JAKES program.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Building the Wall to Protect America The penetrable southern border poses grave dangers to our national security. With inadequate resources to control entry into the country, we risk exposing citizens to disease, drug cartels, and terrorism on our own soil. Meanwhile, special interest groups in Washington prioritize partisan agendas over public safety. If left unchecked, these threats will soon spread from the border to backyards nationwide. I have a solution, send our Navy's Seabees to get the job done stat. It will be efficient, effective, and done correctly!
• America First The slogan "America First" has varying meanings for different people. For Kristi, it signifies prioritizing the well-being of Americans over global interests. She believes the U.S. government's foremost responsibility is caring for its citizens, from rural communities to major cities across the country. Kristi feels that all Americans deserve protection, security, and the ability to pursue life, liberty, and happiness in a nation governed by the rule of law.
• Economic Reform (Inflation Costs) The key indicators of a weak economy that people can readily see include: • stagnant wages despite rising corporate profits • increasing personal debt as people struggle to get by • declining employment rates • job creation lagging behind population growth • a rise in poverty (exacerbated by increased immigration) • rising healthcare costs plus reduced employer-provided insurance eroding already strained family incomes As the political parties argue and blame one another, Americans face diminishing freedom and opportunity - the American Dream once envied worldwide slips away. It is time for Congress to make difficult decisions for the public good to restore economic prosperity.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

AMERICA FIRST ECONOMIC PROSPERITY

Small business owners are entrepreneurs who employ workers and strive to support their families. Kristi advocates for fostering a robust climate for entrepreneurship, seeking more constructive approaches to raising wages and fighting poverty while minimizing distortions and manipulations in the labor market.

ENERGY

Kristi believes that as a leading producer of coal and oil, America should export more of its energy resources rather than relying so heavily on imports. She will work with other members of Congress to make the U.S. more energy independent and less reliant on foreign oil which can incapacitate the US.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Reagan In His Own Hand

The 60’s and 70’s were a turbulent time in American history, characterized by social unrest, economic challenges, and military conflicts that tested the nation's resolve. As activists pushed for an end to racial discrimination and segregation, the Vietnam War sparked massive anti-war protests as young people questioned the purpose and morality of the conflict. The economy also faced difficulties with periods of high inflation and unemployment. Amid this backdrop of upheaval and division, Ronald Reagan's radio addresses and speeches provided a voice of leadership to the American people.

Reagan was able to shine a light on the complex issues facing the country, from racism and poverty to the dangers of communism abroad. He called for personal responsibility, smaller government, and a restoration of traditional values as a pathway forward for the nation. The era of Reagan reveal him to be a thoughtful leader who carefully crafted his messages. Reagan spoke not in platitudes but directly and individually to Americans from all walks of life. His ability to articulate a positive vision at a time of national soul-searching and uncertainty helped him build a broad coalition of supporters. He is exactly the type of leader whom I hope to emulate.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Transparency, Integrity, Morality
When an individual decides to run for public office, it is no small commitment. Not only are they pledging their own time, energy, and reputation, but their entire family is swept up into the endeavor as well. The integrity of our elected officials matters a great deal, as the choices they make can impact millions of lives. If a candidate is willing to compromise their principles during the campaign by being unethical, what will stop them from doing so while in office? The lure of power and greed can corrupt even the most well-intentioned politicians over time. The future of our communities, states, and nation depends upon it. Public servants with integrity are more likely to place the interests of their constituents first and make decisions that benefit society as a whole. Compromised officials, on the other hand, can severely damage citizens' trust in government and even undermine the foundations of our democracy.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

To introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees. Build relationships with those in the opposing parties to work to accomplish bill passage. To examine current law and offer introductions for repeal on unconstitutional laws.

What legacy would you like to leave?

The legacy of leadership by example, just like Ronald Reagan did.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The framers of the US Constitution had a clear vision to create a government that would be responsive and accountable to the will of the people in a way that was unprecedented at the time. When drafting the founding documents, they intentionally designed a system with mechanisms to give citizens a strong voice. For instance, House members are elected every two years so they are closely tied to shifting public opinion.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

In today's political landscape, previous experience in government often lends itself to owing favors and having connections that an outsider simply does not possess. A long-term politician who has climbed the ranks over many years develops close relationships with donors, lobbyists, and fellow lawmakers. They build a network of political debts and IOUs. An intelligent outsider can compensate by surrounding themselves with experienced staffers and advisors who understand the inner workings of government and know how to navigate the halls of power. These experts can guide the newcomer and help them forge their own connections.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The National Debt to GDP Rate
I believe the United States has about 20 years for corrective action after which no amount of future tax increases or spending cuts could avoid the government defaulting on its debt whether explicitly or implicitly. Statistics suggest that the U.S. debt held by the public cannot exceed about 200 percent of GDP even under today’s generally favorable market conditions, and we are already at 122%.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Two years keeps a Representative accountable and connected to the district and serves as ample time to provide evidence that they are serving the people.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

No less than 8 years, no more than 10, as continued re-election runs the risk of political patronage. New officials bring new ideas and fresh vision.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

John Adams. Adams' political thought can be encapsulate into one simple phrase, “a government of laws, not of men.” Many of the issues we face as a nation could easily be resolved by returning to Constitutional governance and by obeying the laws, we as a nation, have instituted.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I recently was speaking to a group in Clay County and addressed the issue regarding illegal border crossings. A gentleman came up to me afterward and asked me if I would be willing to speak with his wife. She is a legal immigrant and feels very angry by the unfair distribution of funding to those entering the United States illegally. She spent several years and thousands of dollars to come here legally, and it was no small task. She is incredibly proud of her immigration and the work she did to secure it.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise that involves a character adjustments or ethics violations, absolutely not. Compromise that involves working together for the good of all, is necessary. I would prefer to have straight up/down bills. This is the narrative I intend to push for.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The origination clause is important because it was set to ensure that the power of the purse is possessed by the legislative body most responsive to the people. I think this has been grossly abused with the "pork" added as the bill goes back and forth between chambers.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

Congress's authority to conduct investigations is limited to matters related to its legislative function. While it does not have the power to investigate the private affairs of ordinary citizens, it can engage in inquiries that are crucial for determining the appropriateness of legislation or gathering information of national significance. Additionally, Congress has the responsibility of overseeing federal departments and executive agencies. This ensures transparency and accountability within the government. The role of Congress in conducting investigations is primarily focused on serving the interests of the nation and its citizens.

What committees interest you?

Energy and Commerce, as the 8th district is home to many coal mines and the I-69 Finish Line.

Armed Services, as a mother of 3 recent enlistees, and with a WWII father and multiple career military family members, the Armed Services is near and dear to my heart.

Ethics, as part of my campaign platform is sending a Principled Purpose-Driven leader to Washington. With the demise of morality and ethics accountability in our nation's capital, I believe I can bring a fresh perspective to this committee.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency and accountability are crucial factors that lead to a more effective and trustworthy government. When elected officials and public institutions operate with transparency, they make information readily available to the public and are forthcoming about their processes, procedures and decision-making. This allows citizens to stay informed and understand how their government functions. Accountability means that leaders and institutions can justify and take responsibility for their actions. They follow clear procedures, evaluate their own performance, and are willing to be scrutinized.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Kristi Risk campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Indiana District 8	Lost primary	$70,744	$70,811
Grand total			$70,744	$70,811
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

Personal

Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Risk has been married to her husband, David, for nineteen years. Together they have four children. They live in Spencer, Indiana, located in Owen County.

See also

2024 Elections

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Candidate

U.S. House Indiana District 8

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Footnotes

[show]

Indiana's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Jim Banks (R)

Todd Young (R)

Representatives

District 1

Frank Mrvan (D)

District 2

Rudy Yakym (R)

District 3

Marlin Stutzman (R)

District 4

Jim Baird (R)

District 5

Victoria Spartz (R)

District 6

Jefferson Shreve (R)

District 7

André Carson (D)

District 8

Mark Messmer (R)

District 9

Erin Houchin (R)

Republican Party (9)

Democratic Party (2)