Voters in Indiana House District 27 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 Lafayette.
Incumbent Rep. Sheila Klinker (D) told the Purdue Exponent earlier this year this will be her final election cycle before retirement.
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.
Tracy Brown
Candidate did not fill out WFYI's survey.
Party: Republican
Website: votetracybrown.com
Age: Not verified
Occupation: Tippecanoe County Commissioner
Residence: Lafayette
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Builder's Association of Lafayette
- Tracy Brown for Commissioner
- House Republican Campaign Committee
- Lesley Meade
- Patrick Morrissey
Top priorities: On his website, Brown says he prioritizes public safety and community. His work as Tippecanoe County Commissioner promoted community-focused growth and infrastructural and economic development.
Sheila Klinker
Candidate did not fill out WFYI's survey.
Incumbent
Party: Democrat
Website: repsheilaklinker.substack.com
Age: 87
Occupation: Indiana State Representative, District 27
Residence: Lafayette
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Indiana Realtors PAC
- Indiana Professional Firefighters PAC
- Indiana Health Care PAC
- Indiana PAC for Education
- Attorneys at Law
Top priorities: According to the Indiana General Assembly's website, Klinker's priorities are advocacy for the rights of children and families and the rights of people with mental disabilities or developmental challenges. In the Indiana House of Representatives, she currently serves on the Ways and Means; Education; and Veterans Affairs and Public Safety committees.
