Primary candidate Q&A: Negele vs. Commons in Indiana House District 13

Rep. Sharon Negele faces a challenge May 7 from high school teacher Matt Commons in the District 13 Republican primary.

This is part of a series of Q&As with candidates in contested races in the May 7 primary in Tippecanoe County.

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Sharon Negele, left, and Matt Commons

State Rep. Sharon Negele, a Republican from Attica first elected to the General Assembly in 2012, faces a primary challenge May 7 from Matt Commons, a high school teacher, in Indiana House District 13.

The district includes a large part of southern and northern Tippecanoe County, along with all of Benton and Warren counties, and portions of Fountain, Jasper, Montgomery, Newton and White counties.

The winner on May 7 would face Edward Moyer Jr., a Democrat from Hillsboro. Moyer did not immediately respond to questions for this report.

Early voting started April 9.

Here, Negele and Commons discuss their approach to the two-year position in the General Assembly.

• For more: Find bios of each candidate, along with information about where and when to vote at the end of this article.

Why do you want this job? Why are you running now and in this particular race for political office?

Matt Commons: District 13 needs a leader who will listen and fight for our local rights. Our communities need a fighter who will stand up to the water-stealing and carbon capture pipelines. In the Statehouse, I’ll stand up to the special interests who seek to take over our communities and protect our rural conservative Hoosier values. I believe change is a good thing, and it’s time for a change in leadership. We deserve a representative who puts the interests of the 13^th District first, not a host of political interest groups.

Sharon Negele: Representing our district has been the honor of my life.  I have dedicated myself to public service, helped constituents navigate government bureaucracy and authored laws to help our most vulnerable citizens as well as good government policy for the future of Indiana.  Every year our legislators work on bills and present policy changes that may or may not get heard. In the process, we work to find the best path forward that ultimately affects all 92 counties.  As a state representative, I represent roughly 67,000 citizens with a diversity of opinions and concerns.  My job is to navigate this diversity and find a common purpose and policy that works best while protecting the government closest to the people.  It’s a thorough, painstaking process that requires patience, homework and team building, and I truly enjoy being a part of it on behalf of our district.

Name two of your top priorities for this position. And how will you handle them to get them accomplished?

Matt Commons: I’ll fight for local interests, not special interests. Local leaders will have a seat at the table, Hoosiers in the 13^th District will be heard, and they’ll have a voice who fights for them. We’ll introduce legislation to amend the now-passed HB1209 to allow local communities to say no to carbon capture and water-stealing pipelines. Our communities elect local leaders to represent their voices, the state should never silence them. I’m committed to ensuring the government works for you. Passing term limits will stop career politicians. It’s time to stop Indianapolis politicians from benefitting at the expense of our district.

Sharon Negele: The General Assembly’s top priority for the 2025 session will be the adoption of a structurally balanced budget that protects taxpayers, adequately funds K-12 education and addresses growing Medicaid costs.  I am personally focused on Indiana’s approach to managing our water resources. At the General Assembly, you work as a team and cultivating support is critical for adoption all the way through the process. Additionally, our next governor will need to be on board addressing a statewide water policy. We’ve been able to halt progress on the large water transfer project and secure a guarantee it will not move forward without legislative action.  I look forward to continuing work on legislation and building consensus for a bill that can be adopted and signed into law by our next governor.    

Where do you stand on proposed development of a pipeline to supply water to the LEAP district in Boone County? What, if anything, should be done to either encourage, regulate or stop a proposed pipeline, whether where it was initial proposed in western Tippecanoe County or in other parts of the state? 

Matt Commons: I am adamantly opposed to the water-stealing pipeline and LEAP district. This centralized planning will impact our district, the region at-large and the entire state. Agriculture prices will be inflated due to the IEDC purchasing fertile agriculture soil that will no longer be used for farming purposes. I’ll work with local leaders and other legislators to put an end to the pipeline. Livelihoods and family homesteads are being threatened by the overreach of state government, we need to act now before it’s too late.

Sharon Negele: First and foremost, Indiana needs a Statewide Water Plan.  I have submitted a request for a summer study of the many questions needing to be addressed. Data on state water resources, proper monitoring and appropriate protections will need to be part of this plan.  Water companies move water around the state as a normal course of business, but the proposed pipeline to supply water to LEAP at the magnitude reported was not acceptable. Current groundwater laws are inadequate to protect our agricultural community, and I oppose the state fostering growth in one region at the expense of another. We need to move toward a “reasonable use” rule to provide appropriate protection for local communities and farmers and prioritize developing a statewide water plan for Indiana’s future.    

There have been calls for more transparency for the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and the way it conducts business. Do you agree with that? What, if anything, should be changed in the way the IEDC operates?

Matt Commons: When I’m in the Statehouse, we’ll audit the IEDC to find the waste, fraud and abuse of taxpayer dollars. We’ll shut down the IEDC’s China office to ensure Hoosiers’ tax dollars are not going to the Chinese Communist Party. I’m the only candidate who has called out the IEDC in this race. The IEDC should be more transparent, required to disclose information on land purchases in our communities, and work for the rural main streets across the state. The days of Indianapolis bureaucrats lining their pockets through the IEDC will be over – we’re going to hold the IEDC accountable.

Sharon Negele: When the IEDC was created by Gov. Mitch Daniels, there were specific policies to govern the entity.  I believe it’s past time to review existing policies and determine what legislative changes are needed. There’s no question the lack of transparency relating to the LEAP district and the pipeline has amplified the need for structural change and accountability.  The first place to start is to have an interim study committee review the current structure and discuss changes that protect everyday Hoosiers and taxpayer revenue.  Indiana's economy is too important to allow any concerns to grow to the point that they would impede our growth by losing the public's support for those initiatives.  

Do you support that state’s effort to hold students back and repeat third grade if they fail state reading tests?

Matt Commons: As a teacher, I know the importance of helping students learn and succeed. We should not just push a student who is academically struggling to the next grade and hope they can learn on their own. We should ensure our teachers have the necessary tools to help our students prosper in school and foster positive learning environments. We also need to continue addressing early childhood education to prevent the number of students struggling to read in the third grade.

Sharon Negele: Learning to read by the end of third grade is critical for students’ future success and their risk of falling behind grows exponentially if passed to the next grade.  I supported Senate Bill 1 (2024) which established steps to ensure that every child learns to read and is not passed on unequipped to succeed in the next grade levels.  The data clearly shows unprepared students who were passed on rarely achieve proficiency and are less likely to graduate. The bill emphasizes the importance of individualized learning plans and appropriate remediation with retention as a last resort.  It also requires the IREAD test to be administered in second grade so that interventions can be implemented in the prior year. The policy also strengthens Indiana’s good cause exemption policy to provide flexibility for students with disabilities or English language learners so as to not unfairly penalize kids with challenges beyond their control.

What’s one issue dealing with K-12 education that you’d want to address in the General Assembly in the next two years? And how would you get that done?

Matt Commons: Our children’s academic success is largely dependent on the quality of teachers in our schools. Indiana needs to address the growing teacher shortage to encourage qualified new teachers to come to our state while also retaining qualified veteran teachers. As a teacher, I know this will not be an easy problem to solve; however, we can achieve it by working with local leaders and other vital stakeholders to ensure we have realistic and attainable goals set that can solve the problem.

Sharon Negele: Absenteeism has been identified as a growing problem across Indiana. Last session, we worked on legislation to address this issue by requiring school corporations to implement a truancy prevention policy. The goal is to set up the guard rails and barriers needed to prevent a student from becoming a habitual truant.  We addressed grades K-6 by utilizing a mixture of parent accountability, school prevention policy and notification from the prosecuting attorney when an affidavit is filed.  Each grade is unique in its prevention. Grades 7-12 will need to be addressed in the next session, following an interim study this summer to discuss best practices for the higher grades.  I look forward to working with my colleagues to implement the next steps in tackling this growing problem.

Do you agree with the higher ed reforms – dealing with faculty tenure, promoting “intellectual diversity” in classrooms and more – contained in Senate Bill 202 in the 2024 session? Did it get things right, go too far or not far enough when attempting to reform Indiana’s university campuses?

Matt Commons: Intellectual diversity is important to individual growth and allows students to become more well-rounded. However, professors should teach the facts without personal biases influencing their teachings to foster positive civil discourse. Parents do not send their children to college to be taught their political beliefs are immoral. Professors should refrain from using their platforms as a bully pulpit. Our universities and colleges should be a place where students can share their ideas, and not infringe upon their Constitutional right to free speech.

Sharon Negele: Senate Bill 202 codified a standard for state funded universities to provide an environment that fosters intellectual diversity.  The bill applies equally to a liberal professor or a conservative professor who seeks to indoctrinate students or demonize those who disagree, but it does not seek to penalize a professor for exercising their First Amendment right as a citizen. Taxpayer funded classrooms should not be an environment to indoctrinate or vilify students who disagree when the subject is unrelated to their academic curriculum.  The goal is to improve the quality of higher education, no matter where faculty and students stand politically, and grow the number of students willing to enroll in our colleges and universities.  Senate Bill 202 made great strides on establishing the appropriate standards that taxpayers should demand.  

Indiana’s 2022 abortion law restricts abortions with limited exceptions for cases involving rape, incest and some medical complications, but continues to face legal challenges. Do you support the way law was written? And what changes would you propose or support in the next legislative session?

Matt Commons: I am personally pro-life, and the legislature has dealt with the issue of abortion. I support the Statehouse’s work to protect life.

Sharon Negele: I voted for Senate Bill 1. This law was passed following thorough hearings and review. Indiana voters made it clear in the last election they agree abortion should not be “on demand” and restrictions should exist. Moving forward, we need to continue to focus on the prevention of unwanted pregnancies. Data is key in understanding this issue. We’ve increased funding for programs like Real Alternatives crisis pregnancy centers and expanded access to birth control.  I will continue to support education, programming and prevention of unwanted pregnancies. 

Would you vote to legalize marijuana in Indiana? And if so, to what extent? If not, why not?

Matt Commons: More information about the benefits and consequences of legalizing marijuana needs to be collected before deciding on recreational legalization. Expanding medical use to Hoosiers with medical ailments would be more beneficial than creating a dependency on pharmaceutical drugs, like opioids. We do need to limit/restrict the sale of THC variants that are sold in gas stations which are making their way into our schools. We should always protect our children from dangerous substances. I’ll work with local leaders and law enforcement to determine what is best for our communities.

Sharon Negele: One of the biggest challenges for legalization is the need to establish enforceable “Operating While Intoxicated” standards. I expect this issue will continue to be addressed by the General Assembly, and that testing technology will continue to evolve to support police officers’ ability to enforce standards. Once these standards are adopted and enforceable, we should address the issue of decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana. 

Name two specific things that separate you from your opponent and why they matter.

Matt Commons: I’m the only candidate in this race who is outspoken about the IEDC needing reform and taking a stand against the state’s overreach in our local communities. Indianapolis bureaucrats are trying to make our district a dumping site for big-city’s carbon waste and drain our water aquifers through the LEAP pipeline. We’re also the only campaign to be endorsed by over 20 local leaders. Our focus is earning the trust of the people who matter the most – Hoosiers in the 13^th District. Our local communities know it’s time for a change in leadership, and I’m proud to have their support.

Sharon Negele: I have a proven track record of understanding and addressing the needs of West Central Indiana. My diverse career path has given me the opportunity to grow and learn from many life experiences. With over 28 years of public service and volunteer work, I understand state and local government and the protections needed to create strong and healthy communities. As your state representative, I’ve had the opportunity to work with state and local leaders, which requires strong communication skills and determination to build consensus.  I deeply enjoy serving our community and have the time and passion necessary to build thorough knowledge on policy issues affecting our region. The fact that my kids are grown and small business is well-established has allowed me to dedicate myself to public service.

Candidate bios

Matt Commons

• Party: Republican

• Age: 33

• Occupation: High school social studies teacher

• Education: B.A. Social Studies (Purdue University), M.A. History (Liberty University)

• Past elected positions, if any: Warren County Council Vice President

• Community boards or other community leadership and service: Common Grounds Coffee Board Member, Volunteer Youth Coach, High School Football Coach

• Immediate family: Alyssa, Broden (9), Kayce (2)

• Your campaign site online: CommonsForStatehouse.com

Sharon Negele

• Party: Republican

• Age: 64

• Occupation: Small Business Owner, Wolf’s Fine Handmade Chocolates

• Education: Bachelor of Business Administration and Masters of Business Administration

• Past elected positions, if any: Clerk Treasurer City of Attica (9 years), State Representative (12 years)

• Community boards or other community leadership and service: Attica PTA - Treasurer and President; Attica Baseball/Softball - board member and Treasurer; Tri-Kappa – Treasurer (10 year member); Indiana Historic Landmarks - board member; Political Organization For Women’s Education & Representation – Treasurer (current); Wabash Economic Growth Alliance – Treasurer (current)

• Immediate family: Husband – Dennis McIntosh; Son – United States Air Force Major Doyle McIntosh, Daughter-in-Law Kristen McIntosh, and Grandchildren Owen, 5, and Emma, 3; Daughter, Jessica McIntosh, Son-in-Law Tom Harrison and Grandchildren Violet, 3, and Mack, 1.

• Your campaign site online: https://www.negeleforindiana.com/

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ABOUT THE MAY 7 PRIMARY

Early voting ahead of the May 7 primary election started April 9 with contested races on Tippecanoe County ballots for governor, U.S. House, several Indiana General Assembly seats, Tippecanoe County commissioner and Tippecanoe County Council at-large seats. A few things to know:

The candidates and races: For a look at all the candidates who will be on Republican and Democratic ballots in the May 7 primary in Tippecanoe County, check here.

Voter registration/ballots:  To check your voter registration and to see candidates who will be on your R or D ballot, go to the Secretary of State’s portal at www.indianavoters.com.

Early voting sites: In Tippecanoe County, registered voters may cast their ballot at any vote center.

• Starting April 9: Tippecanoe County Office Building, 20 N. Third St., Lafayette. Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays (April 9-12; April 15-19; April 22-26; April 19-May 3); 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, April 27, and Saturday, May 4; and 8 a.m.-noon Monday, May 6.

• April 25: Black Cultural Center at Purdue, 1100 Third St., West Lafayette. Hours: Noon-6 p.m.

• April 27: West Point Fire Station, 4949 Indiana 25 South, West Point; Clarks Hill Christian Church, 9510 Pearl St., Clarks Hill; and Otterbein United Methodist Church, 405 E. Oxford St., Otterbein. Hours: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• April 30-May 4: Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road, Lafayette; John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road, West Lafayette; Eastside Assembly of God Church, 6121 E. County Road 50 South, Lafayette; Wea Ridge Baptist Church, 1051 E. County Road 430 South, Lafayette. Hours: noon-6 p.m. April 30-May 3; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. May 4.

Election Day vote centers: Voting on Tuesday, May 7, will be 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Registered voters in Tippecanoe County may choose any of these sites.

Lafayette

• Evangelical Covenant Church, 3600 S. Ninth St.

• Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, 1406 Teal Road

• Northend Community Center, 2000 Elmwood Ave.

• Lafayette Community Church of the Nazarene, 3801 Union St.

• Eastside Assembly of God, 6121 E. County Road 50 South

• Tippecanoe County Historical Association History Center, 522 Columbia St.

• Wea Ridge Baptist Church, 1051 E. County Road 430 South

West Lafayette

• John Dennis Wellness Center, 1101 Kalberer Road

• Faith West Community Center, 1920 Northwestern Ave.

• West Lafayette City Hall, 222 N. Chauncey Ave.

Outside Lafayette/West Lafayette

• Wabash Township Fire Station No. 1, 2899 Klondike Road

• Tippecanoe Township Fire Station No. 2, 448 W. County Road 650 North

• Battle Ground Fire Station, 112 North St., Battle Ground

• Dayton Gathering Point Church, 7201 Wesleyan Drive, Dayton

• Shadeland Town Hall, 2584 Indiana 25 West

On the ballot: Here are candidates who have filed or have indicated they plan to file in Tippecanoe County races ahead of the May 7 primary.

Tippecanoe County

• Commissioner, District 2: David Byers* and Jeff Findley, R; Steven Mayoras, Libertarian; Wissam Nour, Independent

• Commissioner, District 3: Tom Murtaugh*, R; Jaime Ortiz, Libertarian

• County Council, at-large (3): Republicans: John Basham*, Paige Britton, Dan Dunten, Barry Richard* and Kevin Underwood*. Democrats: Katy Bunder, Ben Carson, Amanda Eldridge, Joe Mackey and Wendy Starr.

• Coroner: Carrie Costello*, R

• Treasurer: Yadira Salazar*, R

• Surveyor: Zach Beasley*, R

• Judge, Circuit Court: Sean Persin*, R

• Judge, Superior Court 6: Michael Morrissey*, R

Statehouse races

• House District 13: Matthew Commons and Sharon Negele*, R; Ed Moyer Jr., D

• House District 26: Chris Campbell*, D; Jim Schenke, R

• House District 27: Sheila Klinker*, D; Oscar Alvarez, R

• House District 38: Heath VanNatter* and Jason Gossard, R

• House District 41: Mark Genda* and Joe Sturm, R; Dan Sikes, D

Statewide

• Governor: Mike Braun, Brad Chambers, Suzanne Crouch, Eric Doden, Curtis Hill and Jamie Reitenour, R; Jennifer McCormick, D

Federal

• U.S. House, District 4: Jim Baird*, Charles Bookwalter and John Piper, R; Rimpi Girn and Derrick Holder, D

• U.S. Senate: Jim Banks, R; Valerie McCray and Marc Carmichael, D

Townships

• Shadeland Township Board: Michael Kuipers, Pamela Luenz, Robert Morrison Jr. and Josh Shives, R.

• Shadeland Clerk-Treasurer: Charlene Brown, R

The general election also will include these, with filing deadlines this summer …

• School boards: Lafayette School Corp., three at-large seats; Tippecanoe School Corp. seats in District 4, District 5, District 6 and District 7; and West Lafayette Community School Corp, four at-large seats.

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