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2026 General Election · Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Indiana House, District 54

Indiana House of Representatives. 2-year term.

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What this office does

Members of the Indiana House of Representatives write and vote on state laws as part of the Indiana General Assembly. The House has 100 members, each representing one district for a two-year term [1].

The job in full — the duties the Indiana Code puts in it, the term, what it pays and who sets that, and what to ask a candidate.

Term
2 years [1]
Term limit
None [1]
Seats
100 [1]
On the 2026 ballot
All 100 [2]
What the law puts in this job (2)
  • Introduces and votes on state legislation as one of the two chambers of the Indiana General Assembly [1].
  • Must be at least 21 years old when taking office and have lived in the district for at least a year [1].

About this race

  • House District 54 covers Henry County except Stoney Creek Township, Rush County except Richland Township, Blue River Township in Hancock County and Hanover Township in Shelby County, according to the House Republican caucus [3]. It does not include Wayne County.
  • This is a rematch of 2022, when Criswell won the seat over Polk with 73.7% of the vote to her 26.3% [12]. Criswell was re-elected without opposition in 2024 [13].
  • Criswell was the only Republican listed for the May 5, 2026 primary, and Wikipedia lists no Democratic primary candidate for the district [13]. The New Castle Courier-Times reported on June 30, 2026 that the November race would be a Criswell–Polk rematch [14].
  • No debate or forum between the two candidates was found as of October 10, 2026.

Candidates on the ballot

Cory Criswell

RepublicanIncumbent

Work
Development director for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame; owner of Criswell Lawn Care [3]

The Republican incumbent since 2022, an assistant majority whip and a member of the Ways and Means Committee [3].

Criswell's background

  • Development director for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame and owner of Criswell Lawn Care, according to the caucus [3].
  • Former educator and assistant athletic director at New Castle High School, and a former member of the Fall Creek Township Advisory Board [3].
  • Holds a bachelor's degree in education from Anderson University and a master's in education administration from Ball State University; lives in Middletown [3].

Criswell's positions

Education

  • Authored the 2025 law loosening restrictions on athletic transfers between schools [4].

Economy & jobs

  • Said his 2026 licensing law "modernizes licensing definitions while ensuring professionals meet consistent training standards" [10].

How Criswell would run the office

  • His campaign site lists priorities including family values, quality education, fiscal responsibility, limited government, opposition to abortion, public safety, business and gun rights, without detailed proposals [15].

Criswell on the current officeholder

  • Is the current officeholder. No public statement by Criswell about Polk's 2026 campaign was found.

How Criswell got on the ballot

  • Was the only Republican candidate listed for the May 5, 2026 primary [13].

What we could not find about Criswell

  • No campaign finance totals were checked for 2026.
  • Bill number for the 2024 school safety law he co-authored was not confirmed.
  • The caucus page lists him as development director for the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, while his campaign site describes him as an educator with the New Castle School Corporation; his current employment was not independently confirmed.
  • No endorsements are listed on his campaign site [15].

Criswell's record in office

Indiana House record, District 54 (2023-2026) · compiled from the official record, Oct. 12-13, 2026

Authored
17
2 became law
Co-authored
39
16 became law
Co-sponsored
7
7 became law

Committees, 2026 session

  • Agriculture and Rural Development
  • Public Policy
  • Ways and Means
  • Public Policy, Interim Study Committee on (House Majority Member)

Floor votes

  • 2023: Yes 433, No 57, Not voting 1
  • 2024: Yes 278, No 23, Excused 9
  • 2025: Yes 421, No 85, Not voting 4
  • 2026: Yes 275, No 97, Excused 1, Not voting 4
How Criswell voted on 37 selected bills
The 63 bills Criswell carried

  • HB 1156: Motor vehicle matters.

    2023 · Authored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate

    Provides for the process for suspending the Indiana driving privileges of a minor who is an Indiana resident for failing to appear or answer a traffic summons.

  • HB 1199: Emergency departments.

    2023 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Requires a hospital with an emergency department to have a physician onsite and on duty who is primarily responsible for the emergency department at all times the department is open.

  • HB 1008: Pension investments.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Specifies certain entities, actions taken, or factors considered to which the ESG commitment provisions do not apply.

  • HB 1017: Prescription drug donation repositories.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes the prescription drug donation repository program (program).

  • HB 1034: Income tax exemption for military pay.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Exempts military pay for members of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States or the national guard from the individual income tax.

  • HB 1196: CDL training regarding human trafficking.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that the bureau of motor vehicles shall require an applicant who is applying for a commercial driver's license for the first time to attest to having watched an instructional video on how to recognize, prevent, and report human trafficking.

  • HB 1281: Financial literacy.

    2023 · Co-authored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate (not reported from Senate committee)

    Provides that, beginning with the cohort of students who are expected to graduate from a public school or a charter school in 2027, an individual must successfully complete a personal financial responsibility course (course) before the individual may graduate.

  • HB 1326: Charitable gaming raffles.

    2023 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that a bona fide charitable organization may accept payment by credit card for the purchase of a chance to enter a raffle, and the credit card payment may be made on the Internet.

  • HB 1329: Insurance matters.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that if an insurance producer actively participates in a state or national professional insurance organization, the insurance commissioner may apply the insurance producer's participation toward the satisfaction of not more than two hours of the insurance producer's continuing education requirement in every two year licensing period.

  • HB 1458: Doctor scope of treatment and do not resuscitate.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a declarant may include a person for whom a proxy has executed an out of hospital do not resuscitate (DNR) declaration if the person: (1) is at least 18 years of age and is certified as a qualified person; (2) is incapacitated or incompetent; and (3) has no representative who is able and available to execute an out of hospital DNR declaration.

  • HB 1516: Comparative college and career information.

    2023 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Tasks the commission for higher education (commission), the department of education, and the department of workforce development to collect and compile certain information concerning: (1) postsecondary education; (2) career and technical education; (3) workforce qualifications; (4) workforce earnings; and (5) workforce debt.

  • HB 1609: Workforce development matters.

    2023 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Repeals provisions concerning the work Indiana program.

  • SB 290: BMV disclosure of personal information.

    2023 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Requires the bureau of motor vehicles (BMV) to disclose to the department of veterans' affairs (department) certain personal information included on an application form for a disabled Hoosier veteran license plate, a Purple Heart license plate, a Hoosier veteran license plate, a support our troops license plate, and an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal license plate unless the applicant makes an af

  • SB 373: Assistance for funeral and cemetery expenses.

    2023 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Raises the dollar amounts considered when determining Medicaid payments for funeral director expenses and cemetery expenses.

  • SB 447: Charity gaming matters.

    2023 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Defines the term "professional sports team foundation" for purposes of the charity gaming law.

  • HB 1020: Teacher licensing requirements.

    2024 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Removes the requirement for a pedagogy examination as a prerequisite for obtaining a teaching license.

  • HB 1080: Reserve deputy town marshals.

    2024 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that a reserve deputy town marshal may not act in an official capacity as a reserve deputy town marshal unless the reserve deputy town marshal is wearing a distinctive uniform and identification authorized by the town marshal.

  • HB 1081: County treasurer fees.

    2024 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that the fee approved by a county fiscal body to be charged by a county treasurer for providing a receipt of a property tax payment made to the county treasurer may not exceed the greater of: (1) $1; or (2) the actual cost to the county treasurer of copying the document.

  • HB 1250: Elections in small cities and towns.

    2024 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Repeals provisions concerning municipal elections in small towns located outside Marion County, including provisions that allow for the creation of a town election board.

  • HB 1001: Education and higher education matters.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends the definition of "eligible student" to include a sibling of a student with a disability with regards to the education scholarship account program (ESA).

  • HB 1002: Enforcement of equal educational opportunity.

    2024 · Co-authored · passed both chambers; vetoed by the Governor

    Defines "antisemitism", specifies that the public policy of the state is to provide educational opportunities free of religious discrimination, and provides that antisemitism is discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, or national origin.

  • HB 1004: Pension matters.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a state employee may affirmatively elect to enroll in the deferred compensation plan prior to the auto enroll date on day 31 of the state employee's employment.

  • HB 1086: Alcoholic beverage sales.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Allows a bar or restaurant (retailer) to prepare, sell, and deliver alcoholic beverages for carry-out to a customer on the licensed premises in sealed, nonoriginal containers (qualified containers).

  • HB 1104: School safety.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a school safety plan developed by a school corporation or charter school must establish an armed intruder drill protocol.

  • HB 1135: Cosmetology apprenticeships.

    2024 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that an individual who completes a United States Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program to practice cosmetology may take the cosmetologist licensure examination and, upon passage of the examination, practice as a cosmetologist.

  • HB 1147: Horse racing and racetrack ownership.

    2024 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Specifies that the horse racing commission (IHRC) may adopt rules that incorporate by reference the most current version of the model rules adopted by the Association of Racing Commissioners International.

  • HB 1180: Public employers.

    2024 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Prohibits a public employer from requiring or stating a preference for a postsecondary degree for employment, rejecting an applicant solely on the basis of the applicant lacking a postsecondary degree, or giving preferential treatment to an applicant who holds a postsecondary degree.

  • HB 1318: Tax credit for safe gun storage expenses.

    2024 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that a taxpayer is entitled to a credit against the taxpayer's state income tax liability in a taxable year equal to the lesser of: (1) 20% multiplied by the safe gun storage expenses incurred by the taxpayer during the taxable year; or (2) $500 in the case of an individual filing a single return (or $250 in the case of a married individual filing a separate return).

  • HB 1344: School athletic events.

    2024 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Requires an association to offer a cash payment option at athletic events beginning July 1, 2024.

  • HB 1386: Medicaid matters.

    2024 · Co-authored · reported from House committee; no House third-reading vote

    Sets forth the powers and duties of the office of the secretary of family and social services (office of the secretary) concerning Medicaid home and community based services waivers.

  • HB 1399: PFAS chemicals.

    2024 · Co-authored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate (not reported from Senate committee)

    Defines "PFAS chemicals" and requires the environmental rules board to use the definition in certain rules concerning industrial processes and research and development.

  • SB 132: Professions and professional services.

    2024 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Authorizes the office of the secretary of family and social services to implement a risk based managed care program for certain Medicaid recipients.

  • SB 149: Tobacco.

    2024 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Prohibits a retail establishment from holding more than one active tobacco sales certificate (certificate) for a retail location at any time.

  • HB 1027: County treasurer fees.

    2025 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that the fee approved by a county fiscal body to be charged by a county treasurer for providing a receipt of a property tax payment made to the county treasurer may not exceed the greater of: (1) $1; or (2) the actual cost to the county treasurer of copying the document.

  • HB 1064: School transfers.

    2025 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Removes language prohibiting certain students from enrolling into a school corporation primarily for athletic reasons.

  • HB 1323: Teacher licensing requirements.

    2025 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that certain individuals seeking an initial practitioner license are exempt from certain licensing requirements.

  • HB 1324: Elections in small cities and towns.

    2025 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Repeals provisions concerning municipal elections in small towns located outside Marion County, including provisions that allow for the creation of a town election board.

  • HB 1492: Transfers for extracurricular reasons.

    2025 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Removes language prohibiting certain students from enrolling into a school corporation primarily for athletic reasons.

  • HB 1493: Regulation of towing services.

    2025 · Authored · reported from House committee; no House third-reading vote

    Requires a local law enforcement agency to establish a written policy or enter into a contract for a towing rotation for emergency towing.

  • HB 1610: Onsite wastewater industry registry.

    2025 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that beginning January 1, 2026, an individual may not engage in onsite sewage system service of a residential onsite sewage system in Indiana unless the individual registers with the board of registration for onsite wastewater professionals (board) as an onsite wastewater professional.

  • HB 1091: Sexual battery against a law enforcement officer.

    2025 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides an enhancement for sexual battery that is committed against a law enforcement officer.

  • HB 1191: Retiring farmers tax credit.

    2025 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides an adjusted gross income tax credit for retired farmers who sell or lease farmland or sell livestock to a qualified beginning farmer.

  • HB 1219: Taxation of grain processing equipment.

    2025 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides an assessed value deduction for eligible grain processing equipment equal to 100% of the assessed value for assessment dates beginning in 2026.

  • HB 1265: Condemnation of Hoosier homestead property.

    2025 · Co-authored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate (not reported from Senate committee)

    Establishes the Hoosier homestead program administered by the Indiana state department of agriculture to commemorate and maintain a registry of farms owned by the same family for at least 100 years.

  • HB 1320: Beauty apprenticeships.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that an individual who completes a United States Department of Labor registered apprenticeship program for barbers or manicurists is eligible to take the licensure examination of the applicable profession.

  • HB 1322: Blockchain technology.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that not later than March 1, 2026, the department of administration (department) may issue a request for information for purposes of exploring how the use of blockchain technology could be used by a state agency to: (1) achieve greater cost efficiency and cost effectiveness; and (2) improve consumer convenience, experience, data security, and data privacy.

  • HB 1329: Beauty preexamination hours.

    2025 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Reduces the number of hours an applicant for a cosmetology license must have in order to take the cosmetology licensure examination from 1,500 to 1,000.

  • HB 1398: Office of school safety.

    2025 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Establishes the office of school safety (office) within the department of homeland security.

  • HB 1432: Various gaming matters.

    2025 · Co-authored · reported from House committee; no House third-reading vote

    Authorizes the lottery commission to operate the sale of draw games and eInstant games over the Internet.

  • HB 1434: Alcohol misuse prevention and treatment fund.

    2025 · Co-authored · reported from House committee; no House third-reading vote

    Changes the name of the addiction services fund to the alcohol misuse prevention and treatment fund (fund) and makes corresponding changes.

  • HB 1507: Low water crossings.

    2025 · Co-authored · passed the House only; did not pass the Senate

    Authorizes a local county road and bridge board to undertake low water crossing projects.

  • HB 1558: Employment of minor league baseball players.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Provides that a person who has entered into a contract to play baseball at the minor league level and is compensated under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement is excluded from the definition of "employee" for purposes of the minimum wage law.

  • HB 1637: School and public safety matters.

    2025 · Co-authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Expands the eligibility requirements for admission to the Indiana Veterans' Home.

  • SB 209: Electronic pull tabs in charity gaming.

    2025 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Allows for the use of electronic pull tab games, electronic pull tab devices, and electronic pull tab systems in charity gaming by certain organizations.

  • HB 1131: Licensed estheticians and electrologists.

    2026 · Authored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Amends the definition of "esthetician" to include certain services.

  • HB 1132: Rush County food and beverage tax.

    2026 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Establishes the Rush County food and beverage tax.

  • HB 1133: Elimination of straight ticket voting.

    2026 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Removes a voter's option to vote for all candidates of a political party or an independent ticket at one time (straight ticket voting) in a general or municipal election.

  • HB 1418: Teacher licensing requirements.

    2026 · Authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that certain individuals seeking an initial practitioner license are exempt from certain licensing requirements.

  • HB 1030: Electrology services.

    2026 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that an applicant for an electrologist license does not need to hold a cosmetologist license or esthetician license before applying for an electrologist license.

  • HB 1215: Regulation of interchange fees.

    2026 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Prohibits a payment card network from taking certain actions with respect to electronic payment transactions.

  • HB 1218: Straight ticket voting.

    2026 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Removes a voter's option to vote for all candidates of a political party or an independent ticket at one time (straight ticket voting) in a general or municipal election.

  • HB 1388: Initial practitioner license.

    2026 · Co-authored · not reported from House committee

    Provides that certain teaching examinations are waived for an individual who is a graduate of a teacher preparation program, unless the individual fails to obtain a teaching license within three (3) years of graduation.

  • SB 27: Stadium authority.

    2026 · Co-sponsored · enacted: signed by the Governor

    Establishes the northwest Indiana stadium authority (stadium authority) for the purpose of acquiring and financing certain facilities.

How this record was put together, and what it does not show

What we list: 28 bills chosen by a rule that does not look at topic: both state budgets, four bills named in advance, the 2025-26 redistricting bill, and in each session and chamber the 3 bills whose final-passage vote drew the most “nay” votes.

  • Votes reflect party caucus dynamics. Indiana has Republican supermajorities in both chambers, and many floor votes split along party lines; a single vote says little without the bill and its context.
  • Bills often die for procedural reasons, such as no committee hearing or a deadline, and a bill marked “not reported from committee” may have become law inside another bill.
  • A third-reading vote is on the version in front of the chamber at that time; the final version can be very different.
  • Authoring and co-authoring are different: co-authors sign on, often in large numbers, and usually did not write the bill.
  • Attendance counts roll calls on bills and joint resolutions (about 89% of numbered roll calls). “Excused” is an absence the chamber approved; “not voting” means no vote was recorded.

Where Criswell's record came from

Criswell's campaign website

Sources for Criswell

Nan Polk

Democratic

Work
New Castle Community School Board member; former teacher at New Castle and Rushville high schools [16]

The Democratic nominee, a longtime New Castle Community School Board member and former teacher, who was also the party's nominee for the seat in 2022 [16, 12].

Polk's background

  • Member of the New Castle Community School Board since 2012 and a former teacher at New Castle and Rushville high schools, according to BallotReady [16].
  • Holds a bachelor's degree from Butler University and a master's in education from Ball State University [16].

Polk's positions

Economy & jobs

  • Her campaign says it will "Invest in rural opportunity, agriculture, broadband, and infrastructure" [17].

Education & health care

  • Her campaign says it will "Support education, healthcare, and economic security for Hoosier families" [17].

Religious freedom

  • Her campaign says it will "Protect local values, strengthen communities, and preserve religious freedom" [17].

How Polk got on the ballot

  • Is listed as the Democratic nominee on the official general-election candidate list [2]. Wikipedia lists no Democratic primary candidate for the district [13], and the Courier-Times reported on June 30, 2026 that she would face Criswell in a rematch [14]; how she was nominated was not confirmed.

What we could not find about Polk

  • Local coverage (The Courier-Times) of her 2026 campaign could not be reviewed for this profile, so her filing date and stated campaign concerns could not be confirmed from freely available sources.
  • How Polk reached the ballot (likely a post-primary party caucus filling a ballot vacancy) was not confirmed.
  • No campaign finance totals were checked.
  • Her campaign site does not state an election year; it was treated as current.
  • No statement by Polk about Criswell's record was found on her campaign site [17].
  • No endorsements are listed on her campaign site [17].

Polk's campaign website

Sources for Polk

Key points

  • House District 54 covers Henry County except Stoney Creek Township, Rush County except Richland Township, Blue River Township in Hancock County and Hanover Township in Shelby County, according to the House Republican caucus. It does not include Wayne County. (Indiana House Republicans)
  • Criswell was the only Republican listed for the May 5, 2026 primary, and Wikipedia lists no Democratic primary candidate for the district. The New Castle Courier-Times reported on June 30, 2026 that the November race would be a Criswell–Polk rematch. (Wikipedia)

Sources

Researched Saturday, October 10, 2026

  1. Indiana House of Representatives (Wikipedia)
  2. 2026 General Election Candidate List (Indiana Election Division)
  3. Cory Criswell — member page (Indiana House Republicans)
  4. Rep. Criswell: Governor ceremonially signs law to improve the athletic transfer process for Indiana students (Indiana House Republicans)
  5. Governor ceremonially signs bill authored by Criswell to modernize cosmetology licensing and strengthen professional standards (Indiana House Republicans)
  6. 2022 Indiana House of Representatives election (Wikipedia)
  7. 2026 Indiana House of Representatives election (Wikipedia)
  8. Polk enters District 54 race (The Courier-Times (New Castle))
  9. Hoosiers for Criswell (Cory Criswell campaign)
  10. Nan Polk (BallotReady)
  11. Nan Polk for Indiana House District 54 (Nan Polk campaign)
What's included
the U.S. House, statewide offices, every Indiana House and Senate district on the ballot, Indiana's statewide public questions and judicial retention questions, and county, township, city, town and school board races from the Indiana Election Division's candidate list.
Everything else
Local races (county, city, school board, judges) and anything else on your ballot are on your official sample ballot: IndianaVoters.in.gov.
Candidate lists
As of Sunday, October 18, 2026.
At the polls
Indiana law lets you bring a list of candidates and public questions into the polling place, including one stored on your phone, as long as you don't electioneer. IC 3-11-8-18.5

This is not an official ballot. Confirm your registration, polling place and ballot with your election office through vote.gov.