Kelsey Kauffman Announces Candidacy for Indiana House District 44
Kelsey Kauffman Announces Candidacy for Indiana House District 44
Longtime Educator to Run Policy-Focused Campaign Representing Putnam and Montgomery Counties
GREENCASTLE, IN — Kelsey Kauffman has filed as a candidate for Indiana House District 44, seeking to represent voters in Putnam and Montgomery Counties in the Indiana General Assembly. Kauffman, a longtime educator and community advocate, announced she will run a policy-focused campaign centered on protecting Hoosier values and providing a voice for constituents who are deeply concerned about the direction of state policy.
"I am running because voters who oppose the most extreme politics deserve a voice and a name on the ballot that reflects their values," Kauffman said. "Casting a vote should never feel futile. My candidacy exists so that Hoosiers who are deeply concerned about the direction of our state and country can register that concern clearly and publicly."
Kauffman has outlined several key policy priorities motivating her campaign, including protecting local school funding from state budget cuts, expanding healthcare access in a district where primary care doctors are in critically short supply, fighting for real property tax relief for working families, and addressing the childcare crisis that has left parents across the district without options.
While acknowledging respect for the current representative's service, Kauffman emphasized that her campaign will focus on substantive policy disagreements rather than personal attacks.
"This campaign is not about demonizing individuals," Kauffman stated. "It is about policies, values, and consequences — and about speaking plainly rather than spinning positions to win elections."
Kauffman believes the Indiana General Assembly serves as a critical line of defense for Hoosiers against harmful policies. "Although many of the most troubling policies we face originate at the federal level, the Indiana General Assembly may be the most important line of defense available to protect Hoosiers from their worst effects," she said. "I believe it is worth saying so — out loud, and on the record."
About Kelsey Kauffman
Kelsey Kauffman holds a Doctorate in Education from Harvard University and received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service from DePauw University in 2022. She has taught at DePauw University and in three Indiana prisons through Indiana State University, and in 2012 she founded and directed the Higher Education Program at the Indiana Women's Prison.
Kauffman founded the Greencastle Summer Enrichment Program, now in its 38th year serving low-income elementary school children. She has served as Director of the Putnam County CASA Program, President of the Greencastle Branch of the NAACP, and founder of Putnam County Youth Radio and Youth TV programs. Her awards include the Jefferson Award for public service and the Larry A. Conrad Civic Service Award as Indiana Volunteer of the Year.
A Greencastle resident since 1987, Kauffman grew up in a Navy family. Her father, Admiral Draper Kauffman, founded both U.S. Navy Bomb Disposal and the Underwater Demolition Teams that became the Navy SEALs.
Kauffman welcomes questions, support, and dialogue from voters across the district.
Contact: [campaign email placeholder] Website: [website URL placeholder]
Paid for by Committee to Elect Kelsey Kauffman