Jim Tomes
Candidate for State Senator, 49th District
Background
- Occupation
- State senator; retired truck driver
- Lives in
- Wadesville
- Campaign website
- hoosiersfortomes.com
State senator for District 49 (Posey County and part of Vanderburgh County) since 2010 and chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and the Military Committee. A Vietnam veteran of the Army's 101st Airborne Division, he drove a truck for 33 years as a Teamster and was a union steward for 21 years.
Photo: Indiana General Assembly
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Sponsored a fee on money wired outside the U.S.In office
Senate Bill 202 (2026) pairs the fee with an income tax credit for citizens and lawful permanent residents; it did not advance.
ReportSenate Bill 202: Taxation of remittances (2026 session), introduced versionGovernment record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“collect and remit an international money wiring fee from senders of a money transmission transaction to a location outside of the United States”
Public safety
Sponsored the 2026 law limiting local rules on shooting ranges.In office
Senate Bill 176 (2026) became Public Law 117 of 2026.
ReportSenate Bill 176: Shooting ranges (2026 session), introduced versionGovernment record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“relating to the establishment, use, or maintenance of a shooting range that is more stringent than state law”
Senate Bill 176: Shooting ranges (2026 session): bill pageGovernment record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
Sponsored limits on local firearm buyback programs.In office
Senate Bill 27 (2025); it did not advance.
ReportSenate Bill 27: Firearm buyback programs (2025 session), introduced versionGovernment record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“Extends, to political subdivisions, the application of current restrictions on firearm buyback programs.”
Economy & jobs
Sponsored electing Indiana's utility regulators.In office
Senate Bill 114 (2026) would elect the five IURC members by region in nonpartisan elections; it did not advance.
ReportSenate Bill 114: Election of IURC commissioners (2026 session), introduced versionGovernment record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“Provides for nonpartisan election of the five members of the Indiana utility regulatory commission (IURC).”
Environment & parks
Supports leaving data center decisions to local governments.
He says he is concerned about losing farmland but that decisions rest with county officials, mayors and property owners.
ReportThe Data Center Issue - Elect Jim TomesCampaign website · Elect Jim Tomes · Jul 17, 2026 · hoosiersfortomes.com
“I am deeply concerned about the loss of valuable farmland to large-scale development projects like these. … Decisions about these projects rest in the hands of county commissioners, county councils, city mayors, and ultimately the property owners themselves.”
Other issues in this race
Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Jim Tomes on them.
- EducationNo documented position found.
- Government & transparencyNo documented position found.
All sources (12)
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election (Posey County offices and districts)
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Who and What Is on My Ballot: the official ballot of every precinct, 2026 General Election (Vanderburgh County offices and districts)
Election filing · Indiana Election Division (Indiana Voter Portal) · indianavoters.in.gov
- Senator James Tomes: member page
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
- Jim Tomes, State Senator - District 49
Government record · Indiana Senate Republicans · indianasenaterepublicans.com
- Jim Tomes - State Senator Jim Tomes
Campaign website · Elect Jim Tomes · hoosiersfortomes.com
- The Data Center Issue - Elect Jim Tomes
Campaign website · Elect Jim Tomes · Jul 17, 2026 · hoosiersfortomes.com
- Senate Bill 114: Election of IURC commissioners (2026 session), introduced version
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
- Senate Bill 176: Shooting ranges (2026 session), introduced version
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
- Senate Bill 176: Shooting ranges (2026 session): bill page
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
- Senate Bill 202: Taxation of remittances (2026 session), introduced version
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
- Senate Bill 27: Firearm buyback programs (2025 session), introduced version
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.