Mark Hurt

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

Mark Hurt

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

May 7, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Taylor University, 1985

Graduate

Baylor University, 1987

Law

Michigan State University, 1997

Personal

Birthplace

Marion, Ind.

Religion

Protestant Christian

Profession

Attorney/businessman

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Personal Facebook

Mark Hurt (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Indiana's 5th Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on May 7, 2024.

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

Biography

Mark Hurt was born in Marion, Indiana. He earned a bachelor's degree from Taylor University in 1985, a graduate degree from Baylor University in 1987, and a law degree from Michigan State University in 1997. His career experience includes working as an attorney, a former adviser to Dan Coats, and to develop health savings accounts.

Hurt has been affiliated with the following organizations:

• Pregnancy Resource Centers
• National Rifle Association
• National Federation of Independent Business
• Federalist Society
• Christian Legal Society
• Rotary International
• National Right to Life
• Kokomo Chamber of Commerce
• Grissom Community Council

Elections

2024

See also: Indiana's 5th Congressional District election, 2024

Indiana's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 7 Republican primary)

Indiana's 5th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 7 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Indiana District 5

Incumbent Victoria Spartz defeated Deborah A. Pickett, Robby Slaughter, and Lauri Shillings in the general election for U.S. House Indiana District 5 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Victoria Spartz (R)	56.6	203,293
		Deborah A. Pickett (D)	38.0	136,554
		Robby Slaughter (Independent)	2.7	9,790
		Lauri Shillings (L)	2.7	9,567

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 359,204
= 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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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5

Deborah A. Pickett defeated Ryan Pfenninger in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5 on May 7, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Deborah A. Pickett	59.5	11,858
		Ryan Pfenninger	40.5	8,082

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 19,940
= 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

• Jeremy Lee Edom (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 5 on May 7, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Victoria Spartz	39.1	31,674
		Chuck Goodrich	33.2	26,865
		Max Engling	9.7	7,841
		Raju Chinthala	7.1	5,742
		Mark Hurt	5.5	4,431
	Submit photo	Larry L. Savage Jr.	1.9	1,569
		Matthew Peiffer	1.7	1,379
		Patrick Malayter	1.0	800
		Lonnie Powell	0.9	729

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 81,030
= 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

• Scott King (R)
• Scott Goad (R)
• Rodney Cummings (R)
• Jonathan Brown (R)

Endorsements

Hurt received the following endorsements.

• Mayor of Kokomo Tyler Moore
• Frmr. U.S. Rep. Fred Grandy

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Mark Hurt completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hurt'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.

I am a compassionate Conservative who worked in Washington DC for U.S. Senator Dan Coats, U.S. Congressman Fred Grandy and for Michigan Governor, John Engler. In the past 25 years, I have run a small business through my law practice in Kokomo and Noblesville, Indiana in areas of estate and trust administration, estate planning, business law and real estate law, adoptions and guardianships. In the past 25 years I also was one small brick in the wall of justice through services as a part time prosecuting attorney for the State of Indiana.

I attend One Church, formerly, Kokomo First Church of the Nazarene and reside in Kokomo, Indiana.

I was born and raised in the 5th Congressional District and understand the unique differences and nuances in each of the local communities in the 6 county region.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts teaching/coaching degree from Taylor University, Master of Arts degree from Baylor University in political science/international relations and a Juris Doctorate in law from Michigan State University.

I am a member of the Christian Legal Society, National Rifle Association, National Federation of Independent Business, Federalist Society, Kokomo Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International and Grissom Community Council.

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?

• President Biden is driving the American economy into the ground. Through overspending through qualitative easing and stimulus packages, unnecessary spending and unfunded mandates, we see a deficit that has reached $34 trillion. This is a moral issue that is leveraging away the future of our children. I advocate for zero based budgeting where the US Congress reclaims its Constitutional responsibilities, and federal agencies justify the need for each dollar spending. This works well in the private sector to avoid mission creep. In sum, hearings would be established with deadlines for votes/amendments both at the committee and full house levels. Additionally, items would not be left until the end of the term for an omnibus spending bill.
• Border security directly affects our national security and budgetary dilemma. We must enhance technological surveillance on the borders and enhance military interdiction at ports and borders to stop the illegal flow of fentanyl and illegal drugs coming into our nation. We must stop human trafficking and also reform birthright citizenship which allows maternity hospitals such as Chino HIlls, California, where people fly in, have a baby and fly home simply for the privileges of US citizenship. After securing the border, members of Congress must debate and agree on the numbers and elements of immigration reform that include modernized work visa system and expediting refugee claims in a country or origin.
• The USA is a leader of the free world. We must stand up for Israel and stop the attacks by Iranian proxies such as Hezbollah (Lebanon), Hamas (Gaza) and Houthi rebels (Yemen) who are attacking our ships who navigate in the Suez Canal and Red Sea -- this is the source of 12% of our trade -- we must protect the shipping lanes. Military actions are merited against Houthi rebels. In the Ukraine, I believe a cease fire should be considered whereby the Russian speaking and Russian connected Crimea region is controlled by Russia and the mineral rich Ukrainian based Donbas region is controlled by Ukraine. An international peace keeping force may be needed with a firm boundary. We must continue to be a leader in artificial intelligence.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Mental health reform is key. We have a shortage of psychiatrists, counselors and nurses in this key area. No co-pay or deductible when you receive your mental health treatment at the jail. We have a shortage of hospital beds and more in patient medical treatment ls are needed.

Mental health is an equal opportunity employer that affects individuals of all ages, education and socio economic status. I bet 40% of those I prosecuted had a mental health problem and often times self medicated with alcohol or drugs that created a dual diagnosis.

I also see the needs of younger women who have hormone changes, chemical imbalances and need for evaluation and treatment through my guardianship practice.

I am very pro life.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My friend, Robert Taylor, who just retired from active military service taught me a lot about servant leadership and doing things the right way for the right reasons.

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

Bible -- Kingdoms in Conflict by Chuck Colson

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

Protecting and honoring the principles of limited government in the US Constitution. Public service must not be rooted in personal gain but in servant leadership with a focus on doing the right thing for the right reasons.

Integrity, good character, honesty, good listening and strong leadership skills are important for a person person who understands the people he or she represents.

I am a constitutionalist and do not believe the judiciary should make the laws, simply interpret the laws made by our legislative bodies.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Experience and understanding of the federal, state and local levels of government combined with private sector experience that helps me understand what sweat equity is all about. The prosecuting experience opened my eyes to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health problems.

I am a good listener and a hard worker. I want to help others but in a way that allows others to help themselves. I am a compassionate Conservative.

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

Doing what is best for the people with an eye for leading the people in the right direction by educating on hidden dangers and perverse incentives.

Mutual trust is key and this entails good listening and standing up for one's convictions -- having a backbone -- but debating in the marketplace of ideas with civility and with a spirit of working with others.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Make things better than they were before I arrived. I want to be a light for Christ -- salt and light in a world that can be depressing

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy. Just a few years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Landscaping and managing a garden. About 10 years for an elderly person next door. I also assisted a lot of farmers in bailing hay, straw, hoeing beans and driving equipment at harvest time for these periods of life during high school and college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Bible. It provides truth and insight/wisdom on how to live my daily life and hope for life after death.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Jack Ryan

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Amazing Grace

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Lack the confidence to step up. Someone once said you miss 100% of the shots you do not take. The analogy relates to basketball. I have been blessed with a loving family.

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

Its the people's house. It represents 535 different regions and is the melting pot of our nation. Like discussions at our family table, this creates passionate discussions on many issues.

All spending and taxing power originates here from Article I Section 8 of the US Constitution.

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

Yes but we also need people with skill sets from the private sector who can add value and diverse viewpoints to solve pressing problems.

By working at the federal, state and local levels of government for nearly 35 years, I believe I can start on the ground running. I managed floor debate, worked with a team to create health savings accounts, crafted amendments to legislation and worked with legal counsel in drafting legislation, handled committee activity and participated in conference committees between the House and Senate. i worked with the executive branch and members of embassies. In sum, I know how to solve problems, why gridlock exists and why change is needed.

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

The number of youth willing to serve in our military has decreased dramatically. Proper pay and educational opportunities must be offered to our youth. This next generation must learn of the pitfalls of socialism and communism. We must teach the virtues of the Judeo-Christian ethic and live these out or capitalism and a civilization with liberties will not prosper.

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

Yes, but the increasing cost of political campaigns and advertising makes me think that at 3 year term or some element of public financing may be needed. Under the 1994 Supreme Court decision in Citizens, we call such political contributions free speech. Great Britain publicly finances all candidates who then debate the ideas. We need to rethink the industries that are now popping up for texting, digital marketing, negative attack ads, messaging by super political action committees with no control by the candidate. I have no answers, just observations, at the present time.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I am a strong supporter of term limits and signed a pledge of six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and two terms in the U.S. Senate. Our founding fathers did not envision the growth of the federal government and the large bureaucratic and special interest driven size of Washington DC.

When working for Governor John Engler, I saw term limits in a legislature and this meant sharp cookies with a strong mind were needed in the statehouse. Otherwise, lobbyists and staff with no term limit, had a competitive advantage.

I know of no other incentive in limiting the pensions and pay of the public servant other than term limits as our current system vests perverse incentives in personal gain and not in what is best for the country. Our national debt stands out as a case and point.

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

I enjoyed working for and hold up U.S. Senator Dan Coats and U.S. Congressman Fred Grandy as role models.

William Wilberforce, Ronald Reagan and Abraham Lincoln functioned with dignity during some very difficult times and they, too, are role models for me when trying to live our liberty and representation of the people in a republic.

Last, I admire George Washington who reminded us that the people's wish for someone to serve like a King was lacking in foresight. I admire President Washington's virtue of stepping down voluntarily to pass the torch on to future leaders.

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 know of soldiers who sacrificed their lives so others might live and live in a free society. I admire those soldiers.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Dad was going to be a parachuter but nothing ever opened up and also, dad was going to be a baker but he could not raise the dough.

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

Undoubtably. Convicted civility means I stand on my convictions and maintain a virtuous life but do not debate or work with a spirit of superiority or arrogance. In policymaking, one must treat the other side and those of my own political persuasion with respect.

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 Executive branch has taken over too much responsibility from providing the Budget at a state of the union to receiving delegations of legislative powers to federal agencies. We have too many regulations passed by federal and state agencies. We must tame the beast and this is done by the U.S. Congress reclaiming its Constitutional authority. No regulation should remain standing after a cost benefit analysis where the cost clearly exceeds the benefit.

We have a spending problem and Congress must take the lead in cutting unnecessary spending in the appropriations process. its the people's money. We forget this fact but my recent federal tax payment at my small business remind me of this fact.

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

Limited power. We spend too much time and money to make a point in the media with sideshows and trite one-liners. Congress needs oversight committees and each branch of government has a duty to hold each other responsible. However, dog and pony shows are a waste of time and the people's money simply for entertainment purposes on some occasions. The U.S. House does have a solemn responsibility to make sure all levels of government are abiding by the U.S. Constitution.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

U.S. Congressman, Fred Grandy, Kokomo Mayor, Tyler Moore, Howard County Councilmen, Frank Faulkner and Bryan Alexander, Howard County Commissioner, Jack Dodd, Grant County Councilman, Jim Brunner, retired Grant County Commissioner, David Glickfield, retired seminary professor, John Aukerman, Kokomo Rescue Mission Chaplain and Pastor, Ray Tetrault, Johnson County Sheriff, Duane Burgess, Retired Lt. Colonel of USAF, Robert Taylor, author, visiting speaker and retired West Point Graduate, William Jeffries, Tipton County farmer, Scott Smith and Tipton County Prosecutor, Jay Rich

What committees interest you?

I will serve on any committee appointed. I had work experience on the Ways and Means, Education and Labor and Foreign Affairs committees as a professional staff person. This Congressional district has many agricultural workers and I would want to be a voice for the farm community.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

We see a lot of unfunded mandates passed at the federal and state levels. People work hard just to get by. Elections allow for an element of accountability but we are developing an entitlement mentality where skills and hard work are not properly rewarded and a more socialistic approach to life has entered into the daily lives of the citizens of this nation. In sum, we should work against the socialistic tendencies of the age to encourage individual responsibility, compassion and love for our neighbors, and community based solutions that are not rooted in a federal approach.

Government programs should not remain in place if antiquated and not meeting their original intent. Additionally, churches and the private sector must do more to serve those in need in local communities.

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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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Mark Hurt campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Indiana District 5	Lost primary	$176,232	$176,232
Grand total			$176,232	$176,232
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

See also

2024 Elections

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U.S. House Indiana District 5

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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)