This largely rural northern Indiana district encompasses the cities of Warsaw, Plymouth, Bremen and Nappanee and for 16 years has been represented by Bremen funeral home executive Ryan Mishler.
Mishler his risen through the Indiana Senate ranks on the strength of his financial acumen and in 2017 became chairman of the powerful Appropriations Committee, holding huge sway over the crafting of the state’s two-year, $32 billion state budget. He was reelected in 2020 with nearly 75% of the general election vote.
His leadership post has helped him secure funding for key economic development measures in northern Indiana such as the expansion of the South Shore commuter train between South Bend and Chicago, but it also has made him the target of classroom teachers clamoring for pay raises.
As one of the chief architects of the current two-year state budget, he supported a plan to provide more money for schools but left it for individual school districts to decide whether to use it for teacher pay raises. This led thousands of teachers to rally at the Statehouse in late 2019 to demand more pay, arguing that average teacher salaries have dropped 15% since 2000 when adjusted for inflation. Mishler joined other Republican leaders in deciding to defer any action until 2021. – Greg Weaver
Key Votes
SB 198-2019 (Sentencing, bias crimes). Allowed longer sentences in crimes based on personal characteristics, stripped of references to sexual orientation, gender identity and race. Yes
SB 516-2019 (Regulation of hemp). Allowed cultivation and regulation of hemp products in Indiana, did not change marijuana laws. Yes
HB 1001-2019 (State budget). Set funding for state agencies and services, including 2.5% annual increases for education, though not directly for teacher salaries. Yes
HB 1004-2019 (School safety). Increased access to funding for security systems and resource officers, was stripped of provisions for mental health screening. Yes
HB 1015-2019 (Various gaming matters). Allowed sports betting statewide and table games in more casinos, relocated a casino in Gary and authorizing a new one in Terre Haute. Yes
SB 1-2020 (Tobacco and vaping). Raised from 18 to 21 the legal age to buy tobacco or vaping products in Indiana. Yes
SB 148-2020 (Zoning and housing matters). Was amended to overrule local tenant protection measures like those in Indianapolis, Bloomington and Merrillville. Vetoed by governor. Yes
HB 1004-2020 (Health matters). Controlled surprise billing for out-of-network and other costs. Yes
HB 1070-2020 (Distracted driving). Made it an infraction to handle a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. Yes
HB 1414-2020 (Electric generation). Prohibited utilities from closing coal-fired generating plants without permission from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Yes
Group Ratings
Professional career
President, Mishler Funeral Homes; President, Bremen Monument Company
Education
- BS, Business Administration, University of Southern California, 1990
- Attended, Worsham College of Mortuary Science
Top Contributors
Committees
Appropriations (Chair), Health & Provider Services, Tax & Fiscal Policy, State Budget Committee.
District
Population: 130,979
Race/Ethnic Origin: 92.7% White, 1.3% Black, 0.8% Asian, 3.7% Other, 1.5% Two or More; 89.2% White Non-Hispanic, 7.4% Hispanic,

Profession