Voters in Indiana House District 43 will choose between two candidates this November to represent them in the Indiana House of Representatives. The district covers a portion of Vigo County and includes the city of Terre Haute.
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.
Amy Lore
Personal information provided by candidate.
Party: Republican
Website: amylore.com
Age: 45
Occupation: Senior Director at Project Lead The Way
Residence: Terre Haute
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Curtis D Tyra
- Kay Brummett
- Amy R Lore (self)
- Bob Baesler
- Matt Boutell
Lore accepted WFYI's invitation to take a survey. WFYI fact checked statements about publicly available data.
If elected, what are your top policy priorities?
Referendum reform in property tax relief; Addressing the benefits cliff; Deregulation in housing and other sectors of the economy
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 can only speak to my own experience as an elected official here. My practice has always been to respond to email, phone, and other messages as soon as possible and to apologize if and when I have been delayed in responding. I have prioritized conversation and helping constituents as much as possible. In today's climate of social media posts and comments, it is nearly impossible to be responsive - so I have always directed constituents to email and phone. Social media is likely detracting from our ability to listen and respond well to people because of the sheer volume and speed with which people post.
What is your position on data center development in Indiana?
Data centers support AI, which is a critical sector of our economic future. We must therefore proceed with caution in protecting our economy while entering agreements and creating policies that also support proper use of our resources - namely water and power. This is completely possible, and we should be bold, creative, and intentional. Indiana could lead the nation in this area.
Many voters told us they struggle to afford food, housing and healthcare. If elected, how would you help them address those needs?
Government deregulation is always going to help make things more affordable. For example, we know that a full quarter of the cost of building a house is due to government regulation, and I anticipate another bill to address that in the 2027 session. My community is also plagued by the benefits cliff, a strange government creation that has kept many people from taking better jobs out of fear of losing benefits all at once. We can and must address this so Hoosiers can be successful and create wealth for themselves and their families.
Tonya Pfaff
Candidate did not fill out WFYI's survey.
Incumbent
Party: Democrat
Website: tonyapfaff.com
Age: Not verified
Occupation: Indiana State Representative, District 43
Residence: Terre Haute
Top donors (via Transparency USA):
- Brandon Sakbun Campaign
- Local 157 PAC Fund
- Iron Workers Local 22 PAC Fund
- IBEW Local Union 725
- Laborers International Union Local No. 204
Top priorities: On her website, Pfaff says she prioritizes education funding and a resolution to the teacher shortage, support for vocational and apprenticeship programs, and funding for public infrastructure including streets and broadband internet. In the Indiana House of Representatives, she currently serves on the Education and Ways and Means committees, and serves as the ranking minority member on the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee.
