Jeff Raatz is running for Indiana State Senate District 27 as a Republican candidate in the 2026 general election.
2026 Election Guide
The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the Nov. 3, 2026, general election the same questions.
- List your education and employment history highlights (100 words or less).
- What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
- If elected/reelected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
- What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/reelected? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
- Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/reelected? (50 words or less.)
- With state and federal changes limiting funding for government services, what specific strategies will you pursue if elected to sustain the finances of the body you’re seeking to join or lead? (150 words or less)
- Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
- Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)
Candidates were given three weeks to respond with a firm deadline and word limits. We share their answers here, unedited from their original form.
For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2026 Election Guide.
Bio highlights: I have an undergrad in IT & Accounting and a Graduate Degree in Management from IU. I began my career as a young teen in Michigan and have never stopped working. I have managed businesses since 1987 while attending college and have continued in this arena in one area or another since. I have also spent significant time in education in the K-12 and higher education spaces. I currently own a small business and serve in the Indiana Senate.
Reasons you ran: I decided to run for office originally because I believed I had the skill set and integrity to represent the people well. I am a good listener coupled with the desire to make a difference for the people which I serve. I believe I have and will continue to fulfill this promise.
I believe that conservative principles applied to Government operations will create the best results for all involved and if re-elected I will continue to apply these principles.
Top priorities: I will continue to work diligently on policy that creates significant outcome gains in our education system. Indiana has seen significant increases in Reading outcomes due to education policy changes, including additional support for teachers. These policies moved our state from #16 in the Nation in third grade reading to number 6, a massive jump in outcomes. I am currently working on Mathematics policy in preparation of the 2027 session and expect similar results as reading. I will continue to work on polices that help students achieve academic success whether they are headed to college or into the workforce.
Specific skills: The first necessary qualification, in my opinion, is the ability to lead with integrity. Secondly, I am a person who does not shy away from difficulties. I have learned that negotiation and mutual compromise is part of the process. However, for me there are also non-negotiables that should never be removed in the process. Secondly, I enjoy interaction with people and have learned and created legislation many times that was a result of interacting with individuals and crowds.
Should continue: I believe that Indiana’s amendment to our State Constitution to keep a balanced budget is paramount to the state operating efficiently. We must operate in our means just as Indiana did in the 2025 budget session when the revenue forecast changed between Jan 1 and Apr 1 and it required significant changes to the budget before it was finalized. Secondly, in that budget we prioritized education and that line item was increased while most everything else was cut. This was indicative that Educating our next generation is utmost important.
Need to change: I believe Indiana should work specifically on two things. We must continue to make improvements in our education system from K12 through Higher Education. We are a school choice state and that concept incredibly popular for parents. K12 and Higher Education must remain flexible to current needs in the workforce as it is changing rapidly with the introduction of AI and other inputs. We must continue to invest in our system to create desired outcomes.
Accept election results: I will unequivocally accept the outcome of the election.
Funding strategies: Indiana must continue to be a financially solvent state. This concept has created a Triple A bond rating for our state meaning we are looked at very favorably financially and the benefits transcend to locals as well. Indiana is competitive and viewed as very favorable for its business environment. We continue to draw new business and will continue to do so in productivity and workforce availability. Increasing economic activity is the answer to not overburden any income bracket with tax increases for needed services.
Engaging the public: I have shared my cell phone number with everyone since day one and will continue to do so. I generally do updates during session and received much correspondence indicating constituent’s desires or issues. As always that could be improved locally and I am amicable to these suggestions. Finally participating with local Chambers of commerce and other boards keeps me updated locally on what is needed.
Other comments: I humbly ask for your support to continue serving you at the Statehouse.
A version of this article will appear in the October 14 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.