2026 Primary: State Representative, District 46
Tom Arthur – R
Tom is an educator and public servant with a career that spans classrooms, city government and financial services. He began his career as a math teacher, working in both rural and urban school settings, which shaped his belief that all students deserve strong instruction and real opportunities, no matter their zip code. He later served as Mayor of Brazil, Indiana, where he focused on practical solutions, fiscal responsibility and community collaboration. Tom also brings experience from the private sector, having worked as a financial advisor.
For the past seven years, Tom has served as a school administrator and is currently in his third year as principal of Owen Valley Middle School in Spencer, Indiana. He also holds a Commercial Driver's License and regularly drives a school bus for his district, staying closely connected to students and the day-to-day realities of school operations. In this role, he is committed to supporting teachers, strengthening academic outcomes and building partnerships that benefit students and families. In 2026, Tom will be a candidate for the Indiana House of Representatives, continuing his commitment to public service at the state level.
Outside of work, Tom serves as a Board member of the Owen County YMCA and Cory Community Church. Tom is also a member of the Legislative Committee of the Indiana Association of School Principals. Tom's hobbies include hiking, traveling and staying active through fitness.
How will your experience serve you in this position? Why are you the best candidate for this position?
My career has prepared me to serve District 46 with practical experience and a strong commitment to our communities. I have worked as a math teacher, served in the mayor's office in Brazil, worked as a financial advisor and currently serve as a school administrator. In the classroom, I developed strong problem-solving skills. In local government and school leadership, I have worked directly with the laws and policies that impact our communities every day. These roles have required me to listen, lead and deliver results for students, families and constituents.
I have lived, worked, worshipped or studied in every county within District 46. This gives me a unique understanding of the challenges facing our farmers, small businesses and growing communities. I understand the importance of supporting local economies while maintaining responsible, common-sense governance.
Additionally, my service on local boards, along with my background as a financial advisor and local official, has given me real-world experience managing budgets and safeguarding taxpayer dollars.
I believe my broad experience, local roots and commitment to conservative principles make me the best candidate to represent District 46.
What issues do you hope to address and how?
I am focused on five key principles: strengthening public schools, supporting local units of government, creating an environment where businesses and families can thrive, being a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars and providing community-focused leadership.
To achieve these goals, I will support policies that raise standards and accountability across all forms of education while empowering, not restricting, our classrooms. We must prioritize directing resources into the classroom and avoid burdensome, unfunded mandates that limit educators' ability to do their jobs effectively.
Supporting local government is equally important. The communities that make up District 46—large and small—face unique challenges that deserve attention. I will advocate for policies that ensure they have the resources they need while maintaining fiscal discipline and accountability. Local officials must be equipped to serve, but also held responsible for meeting their obligations.
I will also work to foster a pro-growth environment that supports small businesses, encourages job creation and helps families succeed. This includes reducing unnecessary regulations and promoting responsible economic development.
Finally, I am committed to protecting taxpayer dollars through transparent, efficient budgeting and commonsense conservative leadership that puts our communities first.
What else should the public and voters know?
Voters should know that I bring a strong work ethic, practical experience and a commitment to finding real solutions. I was raised in Owen County by two hardworking parents who instilled in me the values of faith, responsibility and providing for your family. My father worked more than 40 years in the limestone mills of Monroe County, and my mother retired from Cook in Spencer. Those principles continue to guide me today, and I will work just as hard for the people of District 46.
As a former math teacher and not a career politician, I approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset. I understand that as one member of the Indiana General Assembly, I will be one voice among many, but I am committed to working collaboratively to deliver results.
Our state faces important challenges, including school and local government funding, teacher shortages, affordability and infrastructure needs like road conditions. I believe we must take a thoughtful, commonsense approach—identify the problem, evaluate the data and implement responsible solutions that improve the lives of Hoosiers while respecting taxpayer dollars.
I am committed to serving with integrity, accountability and a focus on the needs of our communities.
Bob Heaton – R
Bob Heaton is a longtime public servant and Republican member of the Indiana House of Representatives, where he has served District 46 since 2010. His west-central Indiana district includes Owen County, southern Clay, southeast Vigo and two townships in western Monroe County.
Heaton was raised on a multigenerational family farm in Clay County, shaping his understanding of rural communities and their needs. He graduated from Clay City High School and attended Indiana State University, where he played with Larry Bird and the legendary 1978-79 Sycamore Men's basketball team in its historic performance at the NCAA championship.
Before entering politics, Heaton worked in the insurance industry, where he continues to manage Heaton Financial Services. A free-market conservative, he has focused on prioritizing taxpayers in the Indiana House. His principled positions have created a pro-life, pro-2nd Amendment, pro-business voting record.
Heaton serves as a key member of the House Republican Leadership, working closely with Speaker Huston and serving on the influential Financial Institutions Committee and the Ways and Means Committee that crafts the biennial state budget.
Known for his accessibility and commitment to local concerns, Heaton has repeatedly won the confidence of voters in HD46. He remains engaged with residents through community outreach and legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening Indiana's economy and quality of life.
Heaton is a proud father and grandfather, and resides in southern Vigo County. He and his wife, Jane Ann, have been married for 45 years.
How will your experience serve you in this position? Why are you the best candidate for this position?
Since I was first elected in 2010, I have worked on the major issues of state budgeting—education and health care, economic development and infrastructure. I now serve as a member of the majority leadership and the budget-crafting House Ways and Means Committee.
My experience has given me a strong understanding of how state decisions affect local communities. For example, the Community Crossings Grant program is one I helped establish to provide funding for local infrastructure needs.
I bring a strong background in business and lifelong ties to west-central Indiana. I understand the challenges facing residents in HD 46 because I have lived them—from farmers to small business owners to working families.
I've spent my life and my time in office listening to residents and working with other lawmakers to help Hoosiers, and I want to continue that work next year.
What issues do you hope to address and how?
We still have work to do to address the state's property taxes, and I'm hopeful we will see reduced bills coming out soon. I'll use that information to continue to lead on common sense policies that put taxpayers first.
I know a lot of folks, including homeowners, seniors and working families, are feeling increased financial pressure. So I'll continue to prioritize affordability by addressing burdensome regulations and the freedom people need to thrive.
I'll also focus on supporting economic development with an eye on free and open markets that increase competition and growth. And of course, maintaining a balanced budget and the state's AAA credit rating is essential in that work.
What else should the public and voters know?
The voters of Owen County know me. I'm an open book, and I have enjoyed getting to know people from all walks of life. A lot of people might not know that I had a terrible accident as a young boy on the family farm. It nearly destroyed my arm—the same arm I used to sink the game-winning shot we needed to go to the Final Four when I played for ISU. Like most people in my district, I've used hard experiences to learn and grow and win. If I get the chance to serve another term, I will continue working with that same grit and drive.
Additional Candidates
- James H. (Jimmy) Pittsford, III (D) did not submit a questionnaire response.
