Mark Alan Messmer[1] is a Republican who represented Senate District 48 of the Indiana State Senate from 2014 to 2024. Messmer is a former member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing three terms for the 63rd district from November 5, 2008, to November 4, 2014. He previously served on the Holy Family School Board from 2001 to 2004. He served as its president from 2003 to 2004.
Messmer supported the state mandated purchase of syngas through coal gasification technology.[2] Developers of Leucadia National proposed a $2.6 billion syngas plant in Rockport, Indiana. Under the terms of the deal endorsed by Messmer, the state of Indiana would have bought syngas under a 30-year contract and then mandate that utilities within the state pass on any losses from the transaction on to Hoosier customers.[3] Gas from the plant would make up about 17 percent of the state's supply. The deal received criticism due to government intrusion in the energy markets, and for forcing consumers to sign up for risky long-term gas purchases at prices substantially higher than market prices.[4][5] Questions were also raised due to Leucadia National hiring Mark Lubbers to promote the deal. Lubbers is a former aide and close friend of former governor Mitch Daniels.[6] The project was ultimately panned by the state legislature in 2013.[7]
In 2022, Messmer sponsored a bill that bans the foreign ownership of agricultural land in Indiana.[8][9] He also sponsored bills in 2022 to provide in-state tuition and drivers licenses to illegal immigrants.[10]
In February 2024, Messmer announced his candidacy for Indiana's 8th congressional district in the 2024 election.[11] He defeated former U.S. RepresentativeJohn Hostettler in primary by a wide margin of roughly 20 points. He resigned from the Indiana Senate in September 2024 in order to focus on his campaign.[12] Messmer would later go on to defeat his Democratic opponent, Erik Hurt.[13]
