Indiana House District 65 — Candidate Overview

November 3, 2026 General Election

District 65 covers all of Lawrence County, most of Orange County, and portions of Jackson and Washington counties. Two candidates are currently on the ballot. The Democratic primary was canceled and no Democratic nominee appears.

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Chris May (Republican) — Incumbent

Background
Lifelong Lawrence County resident (born and raised in the Oolitic/Bedford area). Graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School. Earned a degree in industrial and product design from Vincennes University.

Career experience includes design and engineering roles with manufacturers (Ford, Cook Group, General Motors, Otis, and others). Currently serves as Vice President of Sales at Whitney Tool Company in Bedford and owns Hoosier Tech Properties, a small residential housing business.

Previously served three terms as a Lawrence County Commissioner. First elected to the Indiana House in 2016.

Current Role

• State Representative, District 65 (since November 2016)
  


• Chair, House Local Government Committee
  


• Member, Roads and Transportation Committee
  


• Member, Financial Institutions Committee
  

Key Themes / Priorities
Focuses on local government authority, infrastructure (especially roads and bridges), the business climate, and practical cost-of-living measures. Supports efforts to reduce bureaucracy, improve energy affordability, and give schools greater flexibility.

Official Pages


• Indiana General Assembly profile
  


• Indiana House Republicans page
  

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Sean Steele (Independent)

Background
Lifelong Lawrence County resident (grew up primarily in the Bedford area; currently lives in Heltonville). Graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School.

Has worked as a public school teacher for approximately 30 years, including 22 years teaching social studies at Orleans Junior-Senior High School. Holds degrees from DePaul University and the IU School of Law, plus teaching certification from Indiana University.

Current Role
Full-time public school teacher running a grassroots independent campaign for State Representative.

Key Themes / Priorities
Emphasizes practical, non-partisan problem-solving. Public statements frequently highlight shared goals such as affordable healthcare, strong public schools, safe communities, good jobs, the ability to retire with dignity, and clean air and water. Positions himself as independent of both major parties and focused on issues that unite rather than divide voters.

Campaign Page


• Steele4Indiana