State Representative, 71st District · Indiana 2026 General Election

James R. McClure, Jr.

Republican

Information technology specialist · Clark County

The gist

Proposes replacing property taxes with a real estate transfer tax.
Opposes the River Ridge Meta data center deal.
Proposes making English Indiana's official language.
Supports prohibiting abortion under all circumstances.
Opposes requiring permits to purchase handguns.

More about James

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Proposes replacing property taxes with a real estate transfer tax.
McClure, Jr. defeats Bagshaw in District 71 primary race
News coverage · News and Tribune · newsandtribune.com
“Eliminate property taxes as we know it. Replace it with a one-time, seven percent sales tax on all transfers of real estate.”
Primary candidates speak at Floyd County GOP forum
News coverage · News and Tribune · newsandtribune.com
“My plan is to replace SB 1.”
Opposes the River Ridge Meta data center deal.
McClure, Jr. defeats Bagshaw in District 71 primary race
News coverage · News and Tribune · newsandtribune.com
“McClure said he’s also concerned about the long-term side effects of the Meta data center coming to the River Ridge Commerce Center”
Proposes making English Indiana's official language.
McClure, Jr. defeats Bagshaw in District 71 primary race
News coverage · News and Tribune · newsandtribune.com
“He said he would move to make English the official language of Indiana.”
Supports prohibiting abortion under all circumstances.
McClure, Jr. defeats Bagshaw in District 71 primary race
News coverage · News and Tribune · newsandtribune.com
“supports prohibiting abortion under all circumstances”
Opposes requiring permits to purchase handguns.
McClure, Jr. defeats Bagshaw in District 71 primary race
News coverage · News and Tribune · newsandtribune.com
“he would oppose legislation requiring law-abiding citizens to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun”

Wendy Dant Chesser

DemocraticIncumbent

Economic development executive · Jeffersonville

The gist

Pledges to push for child care grants and tax credits.
Opposed mid-decade congressional redistricting in 2025.
Authored an employer child care assistance partnership program.In office
Authored a first-time homebuyer savings account program.In office
Authored keeping tobacco and vape shops farther from schools.In office
Authored barring Medigap pricing based on health status.In office
Authored ethics training requirements for local elected officials.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Wendy

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Pledges to push for child care grants and tax credits.
Wendy Dant Chesser for State Representative (home, priorities)
Campaign website · Wendy Dant Chesser campaign · wendydantchesser.com
“I'll push for the grants, tax credits, and support our providers and parents need.”
Opposed mid-decade congressional redistricting in 2025.
Southern Indiana lawmakers divided on plan to reconvene for redistricting
News coverage · News and Tribune · newsandtribune.com
“Hoosiers are not interested in having us work on political maneuvering”
Authored an employer child care assistance partnership program.
House Bill 1401 (2026 session), "Employee childcare assistance partnership program": introduced version
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“Establishes the employee child care assistance partnership program.”
House Bill 1401 (2026 session): bill details and actions
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
Authored a first-time homebuyer savings account program.
House Bill 1403 (2026 session), "First time home buyer savings program": introduced version
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“Establishes the first time home buyer savings program”
House Bill 1403 (2026 session): bill details and actions
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
Authored keeping tobacco and vape shops farther from schools.
House Bill 1402 (2026 session), "Restrictions on location of tobacco and vaping shops": introduced version
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“prohibit the operation of a tobacco and vaping business within 3,520 feet of certain school buildings”
House Bill 1402 (2026 session): bill details and actions
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
Authored barring Medigap pricing based on health status.
House Bill 1226 (2025 session), "Medicare supplement insurance": introduced version
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“Prohibits an issuer of a Medicare supplement policy or certificate from denying, conditioning the issuance or effectiveness of”
House Bill 1226 (2025 session): bill details and actions
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
Authored ethics training requirements for local elected officials.
House Bill 1429 (2025 session), "Ethics training for local officials": introduced version
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov
“Requires an elected county, city, town, or township officer (officer) to complete a two hour ethics training course”
House Bill 1429 (2025 session): bill details and actions
Government record · Indiana General Assembly · iga.in.gov