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Mark Messmer
2025 - Present
2027
0
Mark Messmer (Republican Party) is a member of the U.S. House, representing Indiana's 8th Congressional District. He assumed office on January 3, 2025. His current term ends on January 3, 2027.
Messmer (Republican Party) is running for re-election to the U.S. House to represent Indiana's 8th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Biography
Mark Messmer earned a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Purdue University in 1985. His professional experience includes working as co-owner of Messmer Mechanical and as a project engineer with John Brown Engineering and with Dow Chemical.[1]
Committee assignments
U.S. House
2025-2026
Messmer was assigned to the following committees:[Source]
- Committee on Agriculture
- Commodity Markets Digital Assets and Rural Development
- Conservation Research and Biotechnology
- Livestock Dairy and Poultry
- House Committee on Armed Services
- Readiness
- Strategic Forces
- Committee on Education and the Workforce
- Committee on Education and Workforce
- Committee on Education and Workforce
Elections
2026
See also: Indiana's 8th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Indiana District 8
Incumbent Mark Messmer, Mary Allen, Christopher Rector, Daniel George, and James Burke are running in the general election for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
 | Mark Messmer (R) | |
| Mary Allen (D) | ||
| Christopher Rector (D) | ||
| Daniel George (R) | ||
James Burke (Independent)  | ||
| ||||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Endorsements
Messmer received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.
- President Donald Trump (R)
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 | |
| Total votes: 323,633 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
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 | |
| Peter Priest II | 11.5 | 2,098 | ||
| 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 | |
| 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Jon Schrock (R)
- Larry Bucshon (R)
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Messmer in this election.
Pledges
Messmer signed the following pledges.
2022
See also: Indiana State Senate elections, 2022
General election
General election for Indiana State Senate District 48
Incumbent Mark Messmer defeated Jeff Hill in the general election for Indiana State Senate District 48 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mark Messmer (R) | 72.3 | 32,564 |
| Jeff Hill (D) | 27.7 | 12,456 | ||
| Total votes: 45,020 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Indiana State Senate District 48
Incumbent Mark Messmer advanced from the Republican primary for Indiana State Senate District 48 on May 3, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mark Messmer | 100.0 | 7,475 |
| Total votes: 7,475 | |||
| = 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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Campaign finance
2018
- See also: Indiana State Senate elections, 2018
General election
General election for Indiana State Senate District 48
Incumbent Mark Messmer won election in the general election for Indiana State Senate District 48 on November 6, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mark Messmer (R) | 100.0 | 38,824 |
| Total votes: 38,824 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Indiana State Senate District 48
Incumbent Mark Messmer advanced from the Republican primary for Indiana State Senate District 48 on May 8, 2018.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Mark Messmer | 100.0 | 12,404 |
| Total votes: 12,404 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2014
- See also: Indiana State Senate elections, 2014
Elections for the Indiana State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 6, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 7, 2014. Larry Vollmer was unopposed in the Democratic primary, while Mark Messmer defeated Ted Metzger in the Republican primary. Messmer defeated Vollmer in the general election.[2][3]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican |  Mark Messmer |
65.6% | 23,859 | |
| Democratic | Larry Vollmer | 34.4% | 12,489 | |
| Total Votes | 36,348 | |||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
|
Mark Messmer |
80% | 7,643 |
| Ted Metzger | 20% | 1,905 |
| Total Votes | 9,548 | |
2012
Messmer won re-election in the 2012 election for Indiana House of Representatives District 63. Messmer ran unopposed in the May 8 Republican primary and ran unopposed in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[4][5]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | Mark Messmer Incumbent |
100% | 20,615 | |
| Total Votes | 20,615 | |||
2010
Messmer defeated Democratic candidate Daniel Steiner by a margin of 13,713 to 5,108 to win re-election.[6] The general election took place on November 2, 2010.
In the May 4 primary, Messmer ran unopposed and received 3,510 votes.[7]
| Indiana House of Representatives, District 63 General Election (2010) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Mark Messmer (R)
|
13,713 | |||
| Daniel Steiner (D) | 5,108 | |||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Republican Mark Messmer won election to the Indiana House of Representatives District 63 receiving 14,160 votes, ahead of Democrat John Burger who received 10,585 votes.[8]
| Indiana House of Representatives, District 63 (2008) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | |||
| Mark Messmer (R)
|
14,160 | |||
| John Burger (D) | 10,585 | |||
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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2024
Mark Messmer did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
Messmer's campaign website stated the following:
| “ |
PRO-LIFE I believe every one of us was wonderfully made by God and that every life is a blessing. Thanks to my work in the Statehouse, Indiana now has the most protective Pro-Life legislation in the nation since Roe v. Wade was overturned. As a Right to Life endorsed candidate as well as the ONLY candidate endorsed by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America , I will continue to defend the unborn and work to expand adoption and other abortion alternatives. CRYPTOCURRENCY The U.S. faces a critical juncture in regulating cryptocurrencies and digital assets, with outdated laws jeopardizing both innovation and consumer safety. I advocate for a regulatory overhaul that promotes blockchain technology, upholds financial privacy, and aligns with American values of freedom and market liberty. Opposing central bank digital currencies ensures the digital economy reflects these principles. By updating regulations, we can secure a future where digital finance is inclusive, innovative, and maintains U.S. leadership on the global stage. ISRAEL Israel stands as a beacon of democracy in a tumultuous region, a nation with not only the right to exist but to defend itself against those who wish to see its demise. I steadfastly support Israel's sovereignty and its unwavering fight for survival amidst threats. Movements that advocate for boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) against Israel undermine the possibility of peace and stability in the region. Such actions not only threaten Israel's security but also jeopardize the values of freedom and democracy we hold dear. I oppose these movements unequivocally, standing in solidarity with Israel, our friend and ally, in its pursuit of peace and security. BORDER SECURITY We need to secure the southern border and deport the illegal immigrants that Joe Biden has allowed to flood into our country. We need to end birthright citizenship for people that are here illegally. I have a strong track record of fighting back on illegal immigration issues. I have voted to allow law enforcement to detain illegal aliens that have committed a felony until immigration officials can take them into custody(SEA590). I voted to ban sanctuary universities (SEA243). I co-authored a ban on sanctuary cities(SEA181), and voted to require proof of citizenship to register to vote (HEA1264).[9] |
” |
| —Mark Messmer's campaign website (2024)[10] | ||
2022
Mark Messmer did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign finance summary
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.
Notable endorsements
This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.
Personal finance disclosures
Members of the House are required to file financial disclosure reports. You can search disclosure reports on the House’s official website here.
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Messmer is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Jasper Kiwanis, Holy Family Catholic Church and American Society of Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers, Evansville Chapter.[11]
State legislative tenure
Committee assignments
Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.
2023-2024
Messmer was assigned to the following committees:
- Homeland Security and Transportation Committee
- Senate Public Policy Committee
- Veterans Affairs and the Military Committee
2021-2022
Messmer was assigned to the following committees:
- Senate Environmental Affairs Committee, Chair
- Senate Joint Rules Committee, Chair
- Senate Public Policy Committee
- Rules and Legislative Procedure Committee, Ranking member
- Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee
2019-2020
Messmer was assigned to the following committees:
- Senate Joint Rules Committee, Chair
- Senate Public Policy Committee
- Senate Environmental Affairs Committee, Chair
- Rules and Legislative Procedure Committee, Ranking member
- Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee
2018 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2018 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:
| Indiana committee assignments, 2018 |
|---|
| • Agriculture |
| • Commerce and Technology, Chair |
| • Natural Resources |
| • Public Policy |
| • Utilities |
2016 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2016 legislative session, Messmer served on the following committees:
| Indiana committee assignments, 2016 |
|---|
| • Public Policy, Ranking Member |
| • Agriculture |
| • Insurance and Financial Institutions |
| • Natural Resources |
2015 legislative session
At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Messmer served on the following committees:
| Indiana committee assignments, 2015 |
|---|
| • Agriculture |
| • Insurance and Financial Institutions |
| • Natural Resources |
| • Public Policy |
2013-2014
At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Messmer served on the following committees:
| Indiana committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development, Chair |
| • Financial Institutions |
| • Public Policy |
2011-2012
In the 2011-2012 legislative session, Messmer served on these committees:
| Indiana committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development, Vice chair |
| • Family, Children and Human Affairs |
| • Financial Institutions |
| • Public Policy |
2009-2010
In the 2009-2010 legislative session, Messmer served on these committees:
| Indiana committee assignments, 2009 |
|---|
| • Financial Institutions |
| • Small Business and Economic Development |
Scorecards
A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.
Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.
Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of Indiana scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.
2024
In 2024, the Indiana State Legislature was in session from January 8 to March 8.
- Legislators are rated based on their votes related to civil liberties.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to social issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
- Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to environmental issues.
2023
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2023, click [show]. |
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In 2023, the Indiana State Legislature was in session from January 9 to April 28.
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2022
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2022, click [show]. |
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In 2022, the Indiana State Legislature was in session from January 4 to March 8.
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2021
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2021, click [show]. |
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In 2021, the Indiana State Legislature was in session from January 4 to November 15.
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2020
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2020, click [show]. |
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In 2020, the Indiana State Legislature was in session from January 6 to March 11.
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2019
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2019, click [show]. |
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In 2019, the Indiana General Assembly was in session from January 3 through April 24.
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2018
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2018, click [show]. |
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In 2018, the Indiana General Assembly was in session from January 2 through March 16.
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2017
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2017, click [show]. |
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In 2017, the Indiana General Assembly was in session from January 3 through April 22.
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2016
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2016, click [show]. |
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In 2016, the Indiana General Assembly was in session from January 5 through March 10.
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2015
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2015, click [show]. |
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In 2015, the Indiana General Assembly was in session from January 6 through April 29.
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2014
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2014, click [show]. |
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In 2014, the Indiana General Assembly was in session from January 6 through March 14.
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2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the Indiana General Assembly was in session from January 7 through April 29.
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See also
2026 Elections
External links
|
Candidate U.S. House Indiana District 8 |
Officeholder U.S. House Indiana District 8 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ LinkedIn, "Mark Messmer," accessed December 18, 2024
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "Official primary election candidate list," accessed February 10, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "Official primary election results," accessed June 12, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "List of May 8, 2012, primary candidates," accessed March 6, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, “Election Results – Indiana General Election, November 6, 2012,” accessed January 24, 2013
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "2010 Official General Election Results," accessed March 6, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "2010 Official Primary Election Results," accessed March 6, 2014
- ↑ Indiana Secretary of State, "2008 Official election results," accessed March 6, 2014
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Mark Messmer's campaign website, "Issues," accessed September 25, 2024
- ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Political Summary," accessed March 7, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Larry Bucshon (R) |
U.S. House Indiana District 8 2025-Present |
Succeeded by - |
| Preceded by - |
Indiana State Senate District 48 2014-2024 |
Succeeded by Daryl Schmitt (R) |
| Preceded by - |
Indiana House of Representatives District 63 2008-2014 |
Succeeded by - |
