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Nate Anderson
From Ballotpedia
This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.
Nate Anderson (Democratic Party) ran for election to the Indiana House of Representatives to represent District 53. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Anderson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Nate Anderson was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. Anderson served in the U.S. Army National Guard starting in 2006. His career experience includes working as a law enforcement officer. [1]
As of 2024, Anderson was affiliated with the following organizations:[1]
- American Legion
- Veterans of Foreign Wars
- Fraternal Order of Police
- National Guard Association of Indiana
- Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States
- Indiana School Resource Officers Association
- National Association for School Resource Officers
Elections
2024
See also: Indiana House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for Indiana House of Representatives District 53
Ethan Lawson defeated Nate Anderson in the general election for Indiana House of Representatives District 53 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Ethan Lawson (R) | 70.4 | 24,454 |
 | Nate Anderson (D)  | 29.6 | 10,281 | |
| Total votes: 34,735 | |||
| = 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 Indiana House of Representatives District 53
Nate Anderson advanced from the Democratic primary for Indiana House of Representatives District 53 on May 7, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Nate Anderson | 100.0 | 1,160 |
| Total votes: 1,160 | |||
| = 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 House of Representatives District 53
Ethan Lawson defeated Kevin Mandrell, Keely Butrum, and Brian Evans in the Republican primary for Indiana House of Representatives District 53 on May 7, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Ethan Lawson | 33.8 | 2,982 |
| Kevin Mandrell | 26.3 | 2,320 | ||
| Keely Butrum | 25.0 | 2,206 | ||
| Brian Evans | 15.0 | 1,324 | ||
| Total votes: 8,832 | |||
| = 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. | ||||
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Anderson in this election.
Pledges
Anderson signed the following pledges.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Nate Anderson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Anderson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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I have dedicated my life to serving others, embodying a commitment to both my country and community. With nearly two decades of service in the Indiana Army National Guard, I proudly rose to the esteemed rank of First Sergeant, demonstrating leadership and dedication in every mission.
In addition to my military service, I have spent 14 years in law enforcement, currently serving as a school resource officer. Throughout my career, I have remained steadfast in my dedication to working-class families, understanding their needs and concerns firsthand. Drawing upon my extensive experience as both a seasoned law enforcement officer and combat veteran, I bring a unique skill set to the table. My expertise in operations, planning, and leadership equips me to tackle complex challenges effectively. Moreover, I am deeply committed to fostering unity and understanding within our communities, bridging divides and fostering genuine connections.
I am running for State Representative with a clear vision: to be a tireless advocate for our working families. I aim to amplify their voices in the political arena, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed.- I believe in prioritizing the needs of working-class families over corporate interests. This means advocating for affordable and accessible childcare programs that support working parents and provide a safe environment for children. Additionally, I am committed to expanding pre-kindergarten education in public schools, ensuring that all children have access to early childhood education regardless of their family's socioeconomic status. Investing in our children's education from an early age not only benefits families but also strengthens our workforce and economy in the long run.
- Making Life More Affordable. Affordability is a significant concern for many Hoosier families, from housing and healthcare to education and everyday expenses. I am committed to implementing policies that make life more affordable for all residents of Indiana. This includes advocating for measures to lower healthcare costs, increase access to affordable housing, and reduce the burden of student loan debt. Additionally, I will work to ensure that essential services like transportation and utilities remain affordable for working-class families. By addressing these affordability challenges, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all Hoosiers.
- Mental health and addiction issues affect individuals and families across Indiana. As your State Representative, I will prioritize improving access to mental health and addiction services. This includes advocating for state-funded programs that provide support, treatment, and resources to those in need. It's crucial to ensure these programs are properly funded to meet the growing demand for mental health and addiction services. By investing in prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives, we can address these critical issues and support the well-being of our communities.
1. Protecting Public Education and Our Teachers: Ensuring equitable access to quality education, and fair compensation for teacher.
2. Proper Funding for Our Law Enforcement Training Academy: Advocating for adequate funding and comprehensive training programs for law enforcement. We expect the best from them so they should have the training and tools needed to meet the needs or their community.
I look up to my mother as a role model and source of inspiration. Despite facing significant challenges as a teen mom who dropped out of school, she demonstrated incredible resilience and determination by earning her GED and working multiple jobs to provide for our family. Her unwavering commitment to giving us the best opportunities, such as enrolling us in a private school like Emmaus Lutheran, showcases her selflessness and dedication as a parent. As I grow older, I increasingly admire her strength, sacrifices, and unwavering love for her family. I strive to emulate her resilience, work ethic, and devotion to those she cares about, drawing inspiration from her example in my own life journey.
Putting the People First Over Corporations and Profit:
Elected officials must prioritize the needs and well-being of the people they represent above the interests of corporations and profit margins. This means advocating for policies that benefit the community as a whole, rather than catering to the desires of powerful corporate entities. It involves listening to constituents, understanding their concerns, and working tirelessly to address them.
Having Integrity and Being Transparent:
I possess a range of qualities that I believe would contribute to my success in serving the community. These include strong leadership abilities, honed through experience in decision-making roles, and effective communication skills, allowing me to convey ideas and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. I approach my responsibilities with empathy and compassion, genuinely caring about the well-being of others and advocating for policies that benefit the community. In the face of challenges, I am resilient and determined, remaining focused on achieving goals even in difficult circumstances. Adaptability is a key strength, enabling me to adjust to changing situations while maintaining flexibility in problem-solving approaches. Upholding integrity is paramount to me, as I prioritize honesty, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of my work. Collaboration is central to my approach, recognizing the importance of working together with colleagues, stakeholders, and constituents to achieve common objectives and find innovative solutions to complex issues. Overall, I believe that my combination of leadership, communication, empathy, resilience, adaptability, integrity, and collaboration positions me well to effectively serve as an officeholder and drive positive change in our community.
The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office are multifaceted and critical for effective governance. Foremost among these responsibilities is the duty to serve the people and prioritize the public interest above personal gain or agenda. Elected officials must actively engage with constituents, listening to their concerns, advocating for their interests, and working tirelessly to address their needs. Additionally, it is imperative for elected officials to be champions for the working class, fighting for policies and initiatives that support working families, promote economic opportunity, and ensure fair treatment in the workplace. Furthermore, collaboration and bipartisanship are essential. While elected officials may disagree on policy, it's imperative to have civility and compromise, fostering an environment where differing viewpoints can be respectfully considered in pursuit of the greater good.
The legacy I aspire to leave behind is one of making a positive impact and leaving the world better than I found it. I am committed to serving others, advocating for Hoosier families, and working towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for generations to come. Whether it's through legislative initiatives, community engagement, or individual acts of kindness, I strive to leave a lasting legacy of compassion, empathy, and positive change. I want to be remembered as someone who dedicated their life to making a difference, inspiring others to join in the effort to build a better world for all.
The first historical event that I remember from my lifetime is the appearance of the Hale-Bopp comet in 1997. At the time, I was 10 years old. I recall hearing about the comet in the news and being fascinated by its appearance in the night sky. Additionally, I remember reports of certain cults associating the comet's arrival with apocalyptic beliefs, which garnered significant media attention during that time. This event left a lasting impression on me and sparked my interest in astronomy and science.
My very first job was volunteering at the Children's Museum in Indianapolis for the MAP program. I began when I was in sixth grade and stayed for a couple of years. I initially worked in the Science Works exhibit on the fifth floor, where my passion for science, animals, and the environment grew. My first paid job was at McDonald's when I was in eighth grade, at 14 years old. I stayed there for about two months before moving on to other opportunities. Both experiences taught me valuable lessons and helped shape my work ethic and interests.
One significant struggle in my life has been dealing with mental health challenges stemming from my deployment to Iraq. The experience of serving in a combat zone can have profound effects on mental well-being, and I have grappled with issues such as post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression as a result. Coping with the memories, emotions, and aftermath of my deployment has been an ongoing journey, marked by highs and lows, setbacks and progress. Seeking support has been essential in managing these struggles and working towards healing and recovery.
I believe that the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature is one characterized by collaboration, communication, and mutual respect, while also maintaining the principles of checks and balances. It is essential for both branches of government to work together to address the needs and concerns of the people they serve effectively. This involves engaging in constructive dialogue, compromising when necessary, and finding common ground to advance policies that benefit the state as a whole.
Over the next decade, Indiana will confront several significant challenges that demand proactive and innovative approaches. Chief among these challenges is the imperative to recover economically from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic while fostering robust job creation and supporting small businesses. Simultaneously, addressing educational disparities and preparing the workforce for evolving economic demands will be crucial. Strengthening healthcare access and public health infrastructure, along with investing in critical infrastructure like transportation and broadband, are vital for enhancing quality of life statewide. Furthermore, Indiana must address the pressing issues of climate change and environmental sustainability.
I believe there are both pros and cons to state legislators having previous experience in government or politics. On one hand, previous experience can provide valuable institutional knowledge and insight into the workings of government, which can be beneficial in navigating complex legislative processes and understanding the nuances of policy-making. Additionally, having a track record of previous service allows constituents to evaluate a legislator's past actions and decisions, providing transparency and accountability.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to legislators with extensive political experience. They may become entrenched in partisan politics or beholden to special interests, potentially compromising their ability to represent the broader interests of their constituents. Furthermore, a reliance on career politicians may limit diversity of perspectives and fresh ideas within the legislative body.
However, there are also potential drawbacks to legislators with extensive political experience. They may become entrenched in partisan politics or beholden to special interests, potentially compromising their ability to represent the broader interests of their constituents. Furthermore, a reliance on career politicians may limit diversity of perspectives and fresh ideas within the legislative body.
Yes, building relationships with other legislators is incredibly beneficial for effective governance. These relationships facilitate collaboration, communication, and compromise, which are essential for passing legislation and addressing the needs of constituents. By establishing positive relationships with colleagues across the aisle, legislators can work together to find common ground on key issues and craft solutions that reflect diverse perspectives.
While I deeply respect the dedication and achievements of many legislators, both past and present, I believe it's important to forge my own path and develop my own style of leadership. Rather than modeling myself after a specific individual, I aim to embody the principles of integrity, transparency, and service to constituents in my role as a legislator. I am committed to listening to the needs of the people I represent, working collaboratively with colleagues across the aisle, and advocating for policies that benefit the greater good. By drawing inspiration from a variety of sources and incorporating my own values and experiences, I strive to be an effective and principled representative for the community I serve.
While I am currently focused on serving as a state representative and making positive changes to our state, I am open to the possibility of running for a different political office in the future. Indiana is my home, and I am deeply committed to working towards a better future for our state and its residents. If I were to pursue a different office, it would likely be within the state of Indiana, such as a seat in the state senate. I believe there is much work to be done to address the challenges facing our state, and I am dedicated to continuing my efforts to make positive changes and improve the lives of Hoosiers
One particularly touching and impactful story that I heard was during my participation in a "Walk In Love Recovery" event sponsored by The Landing Place in Greenfield, Indiana. The Landing Place is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals struggling with addiction. At the event, I had the opportunity to hear from Makenna Grace's mother and brother. Makenna tragically passed away from an overdose on September 26, 2022. Her family spoke of her vibrant personality, filled with love, joy, and humor. They emphasized the crucial role that organizations like The Landing Place play in providing support and resources for individuals battling addiction. Makenna's story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accessible addiction recovery services and the devastating toll that substance abuse can take on individuals and their loved ones. It underscores the urgent need for continued efforts to address addiction and support those in recovery within our community.
The legislature should oversee the use of emergency powers rather than solely granting them. While emergency powers can be necessary in times of crisis to address urgent situations effectively, it's crucial to maintain checks and balances to prevent potential abuse of power. Oversight by the legislature ensures that emergency measures are proportionate, transparent, and subject to democratic accountability. This approach helps safeguard individual rights and liberties while ensuring that emergency actions are in the best interests of the public. Additionally, involving the legislature in the decision-making process allows for broader representation and input from elected officials who represent diverse perspectives and constituencies. Overall, a system of legislative oversight helps strike a balance between executive authority and democratic governance, promoting responsible decision-making during emergencies.
The first bill I would introduce would aim to improve access to affordable and high-quality child care and expand pre-K programs in our public schools. This bill would likely include measures to invest in training, provide incentives to open to child care centers, support for child care providers, and expand access to pre-K education in public schools. Additionally, I will propose initiatives to improve the affordability of child care for working families, such as implementing sliding-scale fee structures based on income or offering tax credits for child care expenses.
It's still early in our campaign however, MADVoters has endorse our campaign.
Several committees interest me due to their potential to address critical issues and make a meaningful impact on the lives of constituents. Among these, committees focused on education and workforce development are of particular interest to me. As a school resource officer and advocate for working-class families, I am passionate about ensuring access to quality education and promoting economic opportunity for all. Additionally, committees related to public safety and criminal justice reform are areas where I believe I can contribute valuable insights and advocate for policies that prioritize community well-being and fairness in the justice system. Finally, committees focused on veterans affairs and military affairs hold personal significance to me as a combat veteran, and I am committed to ensuring that the needs of our servicemembers and veterans are met. Overall, I am eager to serve on committees where I can leverage my experience and expertise to address pressing issues facing our community and advance the interests of Hoosiers.
Financial transparency and government accountability are foundational principles of effective governance that I wholeheartedly support. I believe it is imperative to uphold the highest standards of transparency in financial matters to ensure that taxpayers' funds are being used responsibly and ethically.
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
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.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
Current members of the Indiana House of Representatives
Leadership
Speaker of the House:Todd Huston
Majority Leader:Matthew Lehman
Representatives
District 1
Carolyn Jackson (D)
District 2
Earl Harris (D)
District 3
Ragen Hatcher (D)
District 4
Edmond Soliday (R)
District 5
Dale DeVon (R)
District 6
Maureen Bauer (D)
District 7
Jake Teshka (R)
District 8
Ryan Dvorak (D)
District 9
Patricia Boy (D)
District 10
Charles Moseley (D)
District 11
District 12
Mike Andrade (D)
District 13
Matt Commons (R)
District 14
Vernon Smith (D)
District 15
Harold Slager (R)
District 16
Kendell Culp (R)
District 17
Jack Jordan (R)
District 18
David Abbott (R)
District 19
Julie Olthoff (R)
District 20
Jim Pressel (R)
District 21
Timothy Wesco (R)
District 22
Craig Snow (R)
District 23
Ethan Manning (R)
District 24
Hunter Smith (R)
District 25
Becky Cash (R)
District 26
Chris Campbell (D)
District 27
Sheila Klinker (D)
District 28
Jeffrey Thompson (R)
District 29
District 30
District 31
Lori Goss-Reaves (R)
District 32
District 33
John Prescott (R)
District 34
Sue Errington (D)
District 35
Elizabeth Rowray (R)
District 36
Kyle Pierce (R)
District 37
Todd Huston (R)
District 38
Heath VanNatter (R)
District 39
Daniel Lopez (R)
District 40
District 41
Mark Genda (R)
District 42
Tim Yocum (R)
District 43
Tonya Pfaff (D)
District 44
Beau Baird (R)
District 45
Bruce Borders (R)
District 46
Bob Heaton (R)
District 47
Robb Greene (R)
District 48
Doug Miller (R)
District 49
Joanna King (R)
District 50
Lorissa Sweet (R)
District 51
Tony Isa (R)
District 52
Ben Smaltz (R)
District 53
Ethan Lawson (R)
District 54
Cory Criswell (R)
District 55
District 56
Bradford Barrett (R)
District 57
Craig Haggard (R)
District 58
Michelle Davis (R)
District 59
Ryan Lauer (R)
District 60
Peggy Mayfield (R)
District 61
Matt Pierce (D)
District 62
Dave Hall (R)
District 63
Shane Lindauer (R)
District 64
Matt Hostettler (R)
District 65
Christopher May (R)
District 66
Zach Payne (R)
District 67
Alex Zimmerman (R)
District 68
Garrett Bascom (R)
District 69
Jim Lucas (R)
District 70
Karen Engleman (R)
District 71
District 72
Edward Clere (R)
District 73
Jennifer Meltzer (R)
District 74
Steve Bartels (R)
District 75
Cindy Ledbetter (R)
District 76
Wendy McNamara (R)
District 77
Alex Burton (D)
District 78
Tim O'Brien (R)
District 79
Matthew Lehman (R)
District 80
Phil GiaQuinta (D)
District 81
Martin Carbaugh (R)
District 82
Kyle Miller (D)
District 83
Christopher Judy (R)
District 84
Bob Morris (R)
District 85
David Heine (R)
District 86
Edward DeLaney (D)
District 87
Carey Hamilton (D)
District 88
Chris Jeter (R)
District 89
Mitch Gore (D)
District 90
Andrew Ireland (R)
District 91
Robert Behning (R)
District 92
Renee Pack (D)
District 93
Julie McGuire (R)
District 94
Cherrish Pryor (D)
District 95
John Bartlett (D)
District 96
Gregory Porter (D)
District 97
Justin Moed (D)
District 98
District 99
Vanessa Summers (D)
District 100
Robert Johnson (D)
Republican Party (70)
Democratic Party (30)
