Voters in Indiana House District 26 will choose between two candidates this November to represent them in the Indiana House of Representatives. The district covers a portion of Tippecanoe County and includes the city of West Lafayette.
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.
Chris Campbell
Personal information provided by candidate.
Incumbent
Party: Democrat
Website: votecampbell.org
Age: 62
Occupation: Indiana State Representative, District 26
Residence: West Lafayette
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Indiana Realtors PAC
- Law PAC of Indiana
- Smart Td
- Jan Walker
- ACEC Indiana PAC
Campbell accepted WFYI's invitation to take a survey. WFYI fact checked statements about publicly available data.
If elected, what are your top policy priorities?
Access and affordable Healthcare, Fully Funding our Public schools, addressing affordability and cost of living
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?
I strive to be accessible and in the community through public forms and responsive to calls or email. I will continue to advocate for the issues that are important to Hoosiers especially in District 26.
What is your position on data center development in Indiana?
I have concerns about the surge in data centers throughout the state. The elevated water and utilities has a substantial drain on community resources. I believe the state needs to create long term goals along with regulations that address large water withdrawals and consumption for heavy industries to assure that the priority remains with protection of the environment but also shifting cost to Hoosiers over the corporations. The cost of large utility consumption causing increased electricity demand by data centers should not force utilities rates cost to be shifted to Hoosiers.
Many voters told us they struggle to afford food, housing and healthcare. If elected, how would you help them address those needs?
Wages are not keeping up with inflation in Indiana. It's time to push for living wages in Indiana. Our tax dollars should no longer just be for corporate welfare. Tie Wages to Inflation: Implement automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments to protect purchasing power from eroding.Strengthen Support and encourage more unions to give workers better leverage for higher pay and safer working conditions.Cap Rent Hikes: Explore temporary, localized rent stabilization to protect tenants from predatory price gouging.Strengthen Tenant Rights: Establish mandatory landlord registries, routine rental inspections, and legal defense funds for evictions.Boost Down-Payment Aid: Expand state-backed grants for first-time homebuyers to compete against institutional investors.
Magdalaine Davis
Personal information provided by candidate.
Party: Republican
Website: electmagdalainedavis.com
Age: 23
Occupation: Purdue student and aspiring teacher
Residence: West Lafayette
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Anthony Hustedt Mai
Davis accepted WFYI's invitation to take a survey. WFYI fact checked statements about publicly available data.
If elected, what are your top policy priorities?
Transparency, Local Control, Education, Affordability, Mental Health, and Sexual Violence Prevention.
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?
I think politicians have forgotten that they serve the people, not corporations or political parties. The second that money started getting involved in politics the people started being ignored. My goal is to be as transparent as I can during this campaign and if I am elected. I love talking with people and learning different perspectives. This race has actually changed a lot of my own views just because I have been talking with voters and realize I agree with what they're saying. If people have concerns or ideas I want them to know I am all ears and I want to work with them. If I cannot do anything about those concerns or ideas I would help direct them to the people who can help out with that and make sure things get done by checking in. I also don't want people to feel like they can't reach out based on my political party. As a representative I want to make sure I'm representing everyone across the board.
What is your position on data center development in Indiana?
I disagree with the current data center development. I think that this has truly gotten out of hand and when I talk to locals I always hear the same thing. People disagree with them being built and I am sure this is not the only place that feels that way. I believe this decision should be made by local governments (city and county). There needs to be full transparency and if constituents push back local governments need to listen. I feel like this ties into the question above quite a bit!
Many voters told us they struggle to afford food, housing and healthcare. If elected, how would you help them address those needs?
Indiana families deserve to be able to afford the basics. If I'm elected, I'll focus on the areas where Indiana can make the biggest difference. That means increasing access to affordable housing, supporting policies that strengthen our economy, creating good-paying jobs for Hoosiers, expanding access to healthcare and mental health services, and supporting local farmers and community organizations that help keep families fed and back on their feet. I also recognize that a state representative cannot simply pass a law to determine the cost of rent. Housing affordability is a challenge that requires cooperation at every level of government. I will work with counties, cities, developers, and community leaders to find practical solutions that increase housing opportunities while respecting local needs. My goal is to bring people together to address the rising cost of living so that every Hoosier has the opportunity to build a stable and successful future.
