Who Is Running in Indiana Congressional District 8th in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Mark Messmer
(Incumbent)Economy
HighMark Messmer introduced the bipartisan Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026, which directs the Department of Defense to create a network of regional hubs to accelerate emerging defense technologies. As a state lawmaker, he emphasized a commitment to promoting economic growth, creating high-paying jobs, and maintaining fiscal responsibility to strengthen communities. He also supported biofuel blending volumes by co-signing a related letter.
Immigration
HighMark Messmer supports the SAVE America Act, which passed the House of Representatives. He stated that this legislation strengthens voter identification and citizenship verification standards to protect the integrity of federal elections. Messmer believes these measures ensure that every American citizen casting a vote will have that vote properly counted.
Healthcare
HighMark Messmer voted "Yea" on H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," in 2025, a bill aimed at reducing healthcare premiums. He supports broader healthcare reforms that seek to lower costs and expand access for citizens. Messmer introduced the "Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025" to repeal a federal heat-safety rule, stating that heavy-handed regulations can increase costs and undermine business productivity. He is also actively working on legislation to reform prior authorization in healthcare.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Mark Messmer |
|---|---|
| Economy | Mark Messmer introduced the bipartisan Defense Technology Hubs Act of 2026, which directs the Department of Defense to create a network of regional hubs to accelerate emerging defense technologies. As a state lawmaker, he emphasized a commitment to promoting economic growth, creating high-paying jobs, and maintaining fiscal responsibility to strengthen communities. He also supported biofuel blending volumes by co-signing a related letter. High |
| Immigration | Mark Messmer supports the SAVE America Act, which passed the House of Representatives. He stated that this legislation strengthens voter identification and citizenship verification standards to protect the integrity of federal elections. Messmer believes these measures ensure that every American citizen casting a vote will have that vote properly counted. High |
| Healthcare | Mark Messmer voted "Yea" on H.R. 6703, the "Lower Health Care Premiums for All Americans Act," in 2025, a bill aimed at reducing healthcare premiums. He supports broader healthcare reforms that seek to lower costs and expand access for citizens. Messmer introduced the "Heat Workforce Standards Act of 2025" to repeal a federal heat-safety rule, stating that heavy-handed regulations can increase costs and undermine business productivity. He is also actively working on legislation to reform prior authorization in healthcare. High |
| Climate & Energy | Mark Messmer received a 0% score from the League of Conservation Voters in 2025 and for his lifetime, indicating a lack of support for environmental legislation. He voted against the Reliable Power Act and measures to limit methane pollution. He also voted "Yea" on bills such as the Homeowner Energy Freedom Act and the Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act, as well as on Indiana state legislation that opposed energy-efficient buildings and participation in the Climate Registry. He did not answer specific questions regarding man-made climate change. Medium |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Rep. Mark Messmer supports legislation protecting the dignity of life from conception to natural death and is a member of the Pro-Life community. He sponsored the Forced Abortion Prevention and Accountability Act, which establishes federal penalties for administering abortion-inducing drugs without informed consent. Messmer affirmed his opposition to abortion in most cases and stated he would never give up fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves. He also voted "Yes" on the Pregnant Students' Rights Act. High |
| Foreign Policy | Mark Messmer voted against H Con Res 68, which sought to remove U.S. Armed Forces from Venezuela in January 2026. He also voted for the Pressure Regulatory Organizations To End Chinese Threats to (PROTECT) Taiwan Act in February 2026. Messmer supports national security and border control, and he has voted in favor of multiple bills related to veterans' benefits and accessibility. Medium |
| Education | Mark Messmer serves on the House Committee on Education and Workforce and sponsors bills primarily in the area of education, accounting for 29% of his legislative initiatives. He has stated his commitment to eliminating what he describes as "harmful and divisive policies like DEI," indicating a specific policy approach within the education sector to align with his conservative principles. High |
| Gun Policy | Mark Messmer voted in favor of H.R. 2189 in 2026, a bill aimed at modernizing federal firearms laws to account for advancements in technology and less-than-lethal weapons. He also supported HB 3770, which seeks to provide firearm licensees with an opportunity to correct statutory and regulatory violations. Messmer has received an endorsement from the National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF. Medium |
Get updates on Indiana 8th Congressional District
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.