James (Jay) Starkey
Republican | Indiana
Candidate Profile*
Conservative
BIOGRAPHY
Name
James (Jay) Starkey
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary
Race
State Senator, District 6
Incumbent
No
Links
EDUCATION
Hebron High School, Hebron, High School Diploma, 1987-1990
Purdue North Central, Westville, N/A, 1990-1993
WORK & MILITARY
Jason DeYoung Construction, Project Manager, 2021-2026
IKORCC, Job Forman, 2008-2021
Olthof Homes, Crew Leader, 2003-2008
Rigid Construction, Owner/President, 2012-2026
Kapers Building Materials, Head Estimator, 1998-2002
AFFILIATIONS
DeMotte Christian, Head Track and Field Coach, 2013-2023
America Reformed Church, Deacon, 2006-2009
Living Stones Church, Member, 2021-2026
Committee to elect James “ Jay” Starkey, Founder and Candidate, 2026-Current
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Precinct Committeemen Keener 1, 2025-Current
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
Indiana State Senate District 6, 2026-
Republican Delegate, 2026-
ENDORSEMENTS*
CONSERVATIVE (2)
*Todd Rokita
*Micah Beckwith
OTHER (1)
*Americans for Prosperity AFP Action Indiana
REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (4)
Jim Zeilenga
John and Joy Slegers
Jason Armold
Republican Steelworkers PAC
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Human life begins at conception and deserves legal protection at every stage until natural death.
Strongly Agree
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds or grants from federal, state, or local governments.
Strongly Agree
I support the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act, which requires health care providers to provide life-saving treatment for infants who survive an attempted abortion.
Strongly Agree
Under what circumstances should abortion be allowed?
I do not support abortion. However, in rare and extreme medical emergencies, where a physician determines the mother’s life is in serious danger, medical decisions should be made by the parents not politicians.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
Governments should define marriage as between one man and one woman; no other definition of marriage should be legalized or supported with taxpayer or public funds.
Strongly Agree
Religious liberty is at risk in the United States and deserves the highest level of protection in the law.
Strongly Agree
I promise to protect the freedom of Christians to share the Gospel and to practice Biblical principles.
Yes
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
The federal government cannot interfere in religion, nor control it.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The best way to maintain peace is through a strong military.
Strongly Agree
HEALTHCARE
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has health insurance.
Strongly Disagree
How would you promote healthcare coverage that is adequate, affordable and accessible for all?
Healthcare should be adequate, affordable, and accessible but the way to achieve that is through transparency and competition, not more bureaucracy. I support moving toward a truly free market healthcare system where patients know the price of care before they receive it. No hidden hospital fees. No surprise billing. Full price transparency so Hoosiers can make informed decisions just like they do in every other part of the economy. Affordability improves when markets are competitive. That means eliminating regulatory favoritism that protects large hospital systems and middlemen, increasing competition in insurance markets, and expanding access to generics and alternative purchasing options for prescriptions. At the same time, corporations should not receive special protections if they knowingly harm patients. If bad actors exist in the pharmaceutical or hospital industry, they should be held accountable under Indiana law. Accessible healthcare does not require government takeover, it requires removing barriers, increasing competition, empowering consumers, and restoring transparency.
ECONOMY
It is the government’s responsibility to ensure everyone has a livable income.
Strongly Disagree
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Strongly Agree
Taxpayer-funded public education should be guaranteed through college.
Strongly Disagree
What government spending would you reduce in order to balance the budget?
Slow the growth of Medicaid, trim administrative bureaucracy in education, sunset corporate incentives, and audit every agency for duplicative overhead before asking taxpayers for more.
IMMIGRATION
I am in favor of construction of a wall and other necessary infrastructure on our border that gives complete control over entering and exiting the United States.
Strongly Agree
State and federal funds should be denied to any public or private entity, including but not limited to sanctuary cities, that are not in compliance with immigration laws.
Strongly Agree
Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?
We should welcome immigrants who come here legally, pass thorough background checks, respect our laws, and are prepared to work and contribute. Immigration should be orderly and based on national interest, prioritizing public safety, self-sufficiency, and economic contribution. What we cannot support is illegal entry or policies that undermine the rule of law.
2ND AMENDMENT
Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school?
Yes
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
The Second Amendment is clear: the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. I will defend that right.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISSUES
I support the legalization of recreational marijuana.
Strongly Disagree
In priority order, what three areas of legislation do you propose to author or sponsor if elected?
1.Property Tax Relief and Fiscal Accountability I would prioritize structural property tax reform, stronger transparency in local spending, and disciplined budgeting to protect Hoosier families from rising tax burdens. 2. Energy Affordability and Utility Oversight I would pursue greater oversight and transparency in utility rate setting to protect residential ratepayers from unfair cost increases and politically driven mandates. 3. Public Safety and Criminal Accountability I would support strong enforcement of laws against violent crime and ensure sentencing policies prioritize protecting innocent citizens.
JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY
I support the use of Sharia law as a basis for legislation and judicial decisions in the United States.
Strongly Disagree
ABOUT YOU
When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and immigration, which of the following best describes you overall?
Very Conservative
Please provide publicly available information validating your answer to the previous question.
I have many social media posts and a long history of information backing up my stances on the required topics. I also have my website where the information is available.
What education or experience qualifies you to hold the office for which you seek election?
I am not a career politician, I’m a business owner and project manager in the construction industry. Every day I manage budgets, negotiate contracts, oversee crews, coordinate suppliers, and ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. Running a business requires accountability. If you mismanage money or fail to deliver results, you don’t stay in business. That real world experience, balancing budgets, solving problems, and making payroll, is directly applicable to serving in the State Senate. My education has come through years of hands on leadership, private enterprise, and serving customers in the real economy. I will bring that same fiscal discipline and practical problem solving mindset to Indianapolis.
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or been penalized for sexual misconduct? If so, please explain.
No
Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?
I am running because I believe public service should be about stewardship, not status. I am not a career politician, I am a husband, a father, a business owner, and a lifelong Hoosier who believes Indiana’s best days are still ahead. I believe in strong families, fiscal responsibility, personal freedom, and accountability in government. I will approach this office the same way I approach my business, with discipline, transparency, and a results driven mindset. Above all, voters should know this: I will say what I believe, I will vote with conviction, and I will always put the interests of Hoosier families ahead of political convenience
VALUES
Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality that is necessary for our system of limited government.
Strongly Agree
I support adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression as protected classes in non-discrimination laws.
Strongly Disagree
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
I am a Christian, Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. My faith shapes my worldview and my values. I believe in personal responsibility, the importance of family, the dignity of every human life, and servant leadership. My faith teaches me to pursue Gods truth with conviction while treating others with respect. It calls me to lead with integrity, humility, and accountability, both in my personal life and in public service.
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
The Electoral College should be abolished.
Strongly Disagree
EQUALITY
Is racism a threat to domestic security in the United States? Why or why not?
I do not believe America is a racist nation or that racism defines our domestic security landscape. The United States is one of the most diverse and opportunity rich countries in the world, which is why millions of people from every background continue to seek to come here. Every person no matter their race has an equal chance at a productive life.
