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© 2026 Govwatch

Mark B. Messmer

Mark B. Messmer

RRepublicanIN-8 · Representative
56
/ 100
Average
Attendance97
Avg: 96
Independence1
Avg: 4
Bipartisan Tone29
Avg: 16
Ethics Record100
Avg: 99
Transparency37
Avg: 57

Accountability Score — composite of attendance, independence, bipartisan tone, ethics record & transparency.

Methodology
OverviewStatementsBillsFinanceVotesElections
1
Wins
0
Losses
1
Races

2024

House · IN-8
Won
RMark MessmerWinner
219,941 votes68.0%
DErik Hurt
95,311 votes29.4%
LK. Richard Fitzlaff
8,381 votes2.6%
Margin of victory: +38.5%

In the 2024 House race for IN-8, Mark Messmer (R) won with 68.0% of the vote, defeating Erik Hurt (D) who received 29.4%. A third candidate also appeared on the ballot. Mark Messmer's 38.5-point advantage over the runner-up confirmed a comfortable win.

This was an open-seat race with no incumbent running — Larry D. Bucshon (R) previously held the seat. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. The 2024 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket. The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Republican column for the foreseeable future.