Candidate Q&A: Pete Zaleski

Pete Zaleski of Richmond is running for Indiana House of Representatives District 56 as a Republican candidate in the 2026 primary election.

Bio highlights: A 1993 graduate of Richmond High School, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Butler University in 1998. My professional career began in Indianapolis, where I spent five years managing pharmacies for Osco Drugs. In 2003, I returned to my roots in Richmond to oversee the day-to-day operations of Phillips Drugs, a role I continue to hold today. Beyond my professional work, I served two terms on the Wayne County Council, including two years as Council President.

Reasons you ran: Service has always been a core value in my life, taking many forms over the years. I have been deeply involved with several local organizations, including the Richmond Civic Theatre, First English Lutheran Church, the Wayne County Pro-Bono Association, and Richmond Neighborhood Restoration.

Beyond my community involvement, I have served on several Wayne County boards, including the County Council, the Health Department, and the Economic Development Corporation. I see a clear need at the state level for a fiscal conservative who brings the unique perspective of a business owner, a healthcare professional, and an experienced local government official.

Top priorities: Fighting Fraud & Protecting Healthcare: Our community’s foundation is built on accessible healthcare, yet our hospitals and pharmacies are currently under attack from systemic inefficiency and predatory oversight. I will fight to eliminate the fraud, waste, and abuse that drains our resources, ensuring that healthcare dollars actually go toward patient care and supporting our local medical providers.

Promoting Bold Economic Development: To lower the tax burden on families, we must grow our economy. I will advocate for expanded incentives that help existing and small businesses upskill employees and grow their operations.

Restoring Local Control: Local government is responsible for providing the essential services we rely on every day. Recent legislation has unnecessarily placed handcuffs on our local officials. I will work to roll back overreaching state mandates and return decision-making power to our communities. We must prioritize Local Control.

Specific skills: My professional experience directly reflects my priorities. Years as a small business owner, specifically within the healthcare sector, demands a diverse skillset. Beyond the fundamentals of budgeting, accounting, and strategic marketing, healthcare leadership requires a unique balance of effective communication and genuine compassion.

Furthermore, my work with the Wayne County Council and the Wayne County Economic Development Corporation has provided deep insight into the needs of our local business community. I understand the cooperation required to serve as a conduit between state and local agencies to drive new commercial and industrial development.

Should continue: Representative Brad Barrett has set a high standard for responsiveness to our community’s economic needs. I intend to build on that foundation by serving as a dedicated conduit between the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) and our local partners in Henry and Wayne Counties. My priority will be advocating for expanded incentives that empower small and existing businesses to upskill their workforce and grow their operations successfully.

Also, Dr. Barrett has brought his much needed expertise in healthcare to a legislature that has very few healthcare providers. I plan to continue that expertise when elected into office.

Creating the State budget is one of the key tasks of a representative. We need more representatives that bring a track record and experience in managing budgets. My experience as a business owner and a member of the Wayne County Council provides a unique perspective on how the legislature can better fund and serve our community. …

Pete Zaleski

Needs to change: Creating the State budget is one of the key tasks of a representative. We need more representatives that bring a track record and experience in managing budgets. My experience as a business owner and a member of the Wayne County Council provides a unique perspective on how the legislature can better fund and serve our community. We need representatives who understand the nuances of standard accounting, as well as the complexities of property tax finance. Furthermore, my previous experience has solidified my commitment to prioritizing local government through genuine local control.

Accept election results: I am proud to have participated in the election process. Having served as a poll worker, I’ve seen firsthand the rigorous checks and balances that ensure our elections remain secure, fair, and transparent. Because of that direct experience with our system’s integrity, I will accept the results of the election.

Funding strategies: Experience Matters. As both a business owner and a member of the Wayne County Council I come with extensive background in budgeting and finance. I understand that fiscal health is the foundation of effective leadership. My priorities; Healthcare, Local Government, and Economic Development; all intersect at the point of financial sustainability.

True fiscal responsibility requires maximizing every tax dollar and partnering with local governments to provide essential services while fostering a growth-oriented economy. Currently education and healthcare represent the two largest line items in our state budget. By aggressively targeting fraud, waste, and abuse in large-scale programs like Medicaid and SNAP, we can protect and preserve services for those who truly need them. Furthermore, because education is the primary driver of economic development, we must continue to strive for excellence in our schools. Great schools build great communities and a stronger economy for everyone.

Engaging the public: Public meetings are only the first step in involving our community in the decision- making process. Pharmacists are widely recognized as the most accessible and trusted healthcare professionals. Throughout my career I have spent every day having one-on-one conversations and answering vital questions for my patients. I brought that same level of accessibility to my time on the Wayne County Council. As your State Representative, I will ensure that residents of Wayne and Henry counties receive that same “Pharmacist” accessibility, being open to direct, honest conversations to answer any question from the people of our district.

Other comments: Experience Matters. Running a small business is about more than just balancing the books; it is about accountability, meeting a payroll, solving problems in real time, and being an active part of the community. I am running for State Representative because I believe we need leadership that understands the economy from the shop floor, not just the legislative floor.

Beyond my business background, I have dedicated years to serving our community in local government. Whether on the Wayne County Council or the Economic Development Corporation of Wayne County, I have consistently fought to protect taxpayers, empower local businesses, and prioritize action over politics. I have worked hard to build lasting relationships throughout our district, and I am ready to take that experience to the Statehouse. Please pull a Republican ballot in the upcoming primary and vote Pete Zaleski for State Representative, District 56.