By Andi Anderson
The Indiana Farm Bureau, along with its federal ELECT and state-level AgELECT political action committees (PACs), has announced endorsements for 55 candidates in the upcoming November elections.
These endorsements span across both major parties, with 43 Republican and 12 Democratic candidates receiving the nod. The Farm Bureau’s PACs remain nonpartisan, focusing on candidates who prioritize agricultural issues.
Indiana Farm Bureau President Randy Kron emphasized the importance of this election for the agricultural sector, noting that the endorsements are a critical part of the organization’s grassroots advocacy.
He stated that the PACs aim to support candidates willing to listen and engage on issues affecting agriculture, ensuring that Hoosier agriculture has strong representation at both the Statehouse and in Washington, D.C.
The endorsement process is rigorous, involving a grassroots approach where county-level Hoosier leaders conduct interviews with candidates. These recommendations are then reviewed by the Farm Bureau's oversight committee and board of directors before final endorsements are made.
Among the U.S. House candidates endorsed are Rep. Frank Mrvan, a Democrat, along with a slate of Republican incumbents and nominees. However, the PACs opted not to endorse in some races, such as Indiana’s Third Congressional District, where members felt no candidate best aligned with agricultural priorities.
This district, left open by Rep. Jim Banks, features Marlin Stutzman, a fourth-generation farmer, as the Republican nominee.
At the Statehouse level, the AgELECT PAC endorsed nearly 50 candidates, with a strong focus on incumbents. Notable endorsements include Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray and Senate Minority Leader Greg Taylor, both recognized for their support of agricultural initiatives. The PAC also endorsed candidates in several open races where incumbents are retiring.
These endorsements reflect Indiana Farm Bureau’s commitment to backing candidates who will advocate for the state’s agricultural community, ensuring that the voices of farmers are heard in key legislative decisions.
Photo Credit: indiana-farm-bureau
Categories: Indiana, General