Voters in Indiana House District 24 will choose between two candidates this November to represent them in the Indiana House of Representatives. The district includes portions of Hamilton and Boone counties and includes the city of Westfield and a portion of Carmel.
There are 100 members of the Indiana House of Representatives. Their job is to work alongside the governor and the Indiana State Senate to create laws and set the state budget. Their seats go up for election every two years, and in Indiana there is no limit on the number of terms a representative can serve.
WFYI opened an ongoing voter survey in May, and the most common voting issues were data center policy, affordability, and feeling disempowered.
WFYI contacted each campaign and sent a survey based on voter questions — it asked candidates for their top priorities and their positions on civic health, data centers and affordability. For candidates who did not respond, information was gathered from websites and social media for a "Top priorities" note. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
Racheal Bleicher
Personal information provided by candidate.
Party: Democrat
Website: rachealforindiana.com
Age: 40
Occupation: Former sales manager, CDW
Residence: Westfield
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Erik Hudak
- Tonia Hassinger
- Boone County Democratic Central Committee
- Two Kites Media
- Evelyn Davis
Bleicher accepted WFYI's invitation to take a survey. WFYI fact checked statements about publicly available data.
If elected, what are your top policy priorities?
My top priorities are fully funding public schools to keep pace with rapid local enrollment, treating childcare as essential economic infrastructure, and and reinvesting our tax dollars into healthcare, community infrastructure, and workforce development.
Many voters told us they don't think today's politicians listen to their constituents. Why do you think that is, and how would you address the concern?
Voters are frustrated because too many politicians put partisan agendas ahead of the people they serve—passing unpopular laws while avoiding public town halls and community events. I believe elected officials owe their constituents transparency and accessibility. As an active community leader for the past six years, I've proven my commitment to showing up. As your next State Representative, I will keep those doors wide open through open communication, regular listening sessions, and active involvement across House District 24.
What is your position on data center development in Indiana?
I support technological innovation and bringing economic growth to Indiana, but hyperscale data centers cannot come at the expense of our community's water, power grid, or taxpayers. Developers must cover their own infrastructure costs, adopt sustainable energy practices, and give local residents a genuine voice in the planning process. We can foster innovation while protecting our neighborhoods and natural resources, it just takes responsible oversight.
Many voters told us they struggle to afford food, housing and healthcare. If elected, how would you help them address those needs?
True fiscal responsibility means making thoughtful investments that improve people's everyday lives. Right now, Indiana sits on a $1.6 billion cash surplus while families struggle with rising costs, critical Medicaid services face cuts, and federal summer food assistance for children is shut down. Hoosier tax dollars should work for Hoosiers. If elected, I will champion balanced budget priorities that return surplus dollars to our communities—expanding access to affordable healthcare, lowering essential living costs, and investing directly in local community needs.
Hunter Smith
Candidate did not fill out WFYI's survey.
Incumbent
Party: Republican
Website: hunterforindiana.com
Age: 48
Occupation: Indiana State Representative, District 24; Farmer
Residence: Zionsville
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Bryan Fischer
- Mark Heirbrandt
- Indiana Multi Family Housing PAC
- Westfield Powersports
- Hoosiers for Quality Education PAC
Top priorities: On his website, Smith's priorities are listed as protecting children, empowering parents and strengthening law enforcement. In the Indiana House of Representatives, he currently serves on the Agriculture and Rural Development; Education; and Environmental Affairs committees.
