Michael Potter

Michael Potter (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Indiana House of Representatives to represent District 47. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have lived 30 of my 50 years in Johnson County. I am a Center Grove graduate (K-12, 1992). I played in the Little League and Bantam Football programs and eventually played varsity football. A significant experience in high school for me was participating in the Center Grove Summer Earth Science Field Trip which led me to a 23-year career as a Licensed Professional Geologist and environmental science consultant. I am married and have three daughters. For fun I like to play disc golf and ultimate frisbee, try new restaurants and recipes, and explore new places far and near.

My experiences as an environmental consultant are a significant reason for my candidacy for the Indiana House of Representatives District 47. There is no doubt that we have significant environmental issues to deal with. I believe in science, and I believe that humans are contributing to climate issues along with other environmental/ecosystem damage.

Over my 23-year career I have worked with and negotiated with government agencies and corporations on multiple projects to clean-up and restore properties and waterways from coast to coast, many in Indiana (including Johnson and Shelby counties). I have had the opportunity to be in community Town Hall meetings to help coordinate environmental clean-ups and redevelopment to strengthen neighborhoods. Rebuilding communities through data collection, risk-management, communication, and collaboration. Environmental Stewardship is Good Business.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Decency - I will strive to show genuine courtesy toward everyone, especially when we disagree. I will not mock, call names, or dehumanize any person or group. I will establish and uphold ground rules for respectful conversationI respect a woman's right to make her own personal health decisions with her own doctor.The republican supermajority has led Indiana to one of the lowest overall quality of life ratings in the county. Electing a democrat to the Indiana General Assembly won't make you a democrat and won't change the majority party in Indiana. It WILL offer constituents a more balanced legislature and therefore more balanced policy.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Environment, Education, and Healthcare

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I've looked up to many people over the years. #1 is my mother. She has worked very hard to support her family. She raised me to work hard. I want her to be proud of the decisions that I make.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

My political philosophy has been formed through years of experience working within the bounds of environmental policy. "On the Basis of Sex" about Ruth Bader Ginsburg has a number of great examples of persistence, integrity, decency, and fairness

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A desire to learn and be curious; Fairness; Integrity and Leading by example; Clarity in messaging; Decency; Persistence

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am patient and a good listener. I am thoughtful and analytical. I am slow to anger or become frustrated. I am curious. Don't mistake my quiet demeanor for weakness.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Make and/or enact policy with the best interest of the public in mind.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I helped the people of Indiana have a better quality of life.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The space shuttle Challenger explosion. I was 11 years old in 6th grade at Center Grove Middle School

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I cleaned the pans, block tables, and floors in a bakery. I held the job for 3 months during the summer. The following 4 summers I worked at a water park - first as maintenance (trash pickup) and then as a ride attendant.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I enjoy the Narnia Series. Great storytelling with wonderful lessons woven throughout.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

You don't want to know . . . I have a 4 year old.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

putting too many things before myself. I will help others before taking care of my own responsibilities which can get me behind on my own work/responsibilities.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The ideal relationship is a relationship which gets work done. They don't have to like each other. They need to be able to work together.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Building and maintaining infrastructure, improving education, improving health outcomes at a reasonable cost, developing extensive non-hydrocarbon energy.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. As a matter of fact, I think it helps to not have a lot of government/political experience. We should have term-limits at all levels of government.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Legislators absolutely must build relationships. We must be curious about those with whom we will be working. We have to be able to Get Work Done. The public doesn't pay us to sit around, argue, and grandstand.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Nobody currently comes to mind. I would need to see how they work day-to-day to properly answer this.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

At this point, no. Starting at age 50, my political career won't be long, but it will be significant.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Stories about losing everything because of a medical procedure or condition motivate me to continue pursuing fair medical support legislation.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I still haven't figure out what LGBTQ+ means . . . . . . I never get a straight answer.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

Only if they are willing to convene for a vote immediately in an emergency

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

Likely something on requiring an alternative energy plan for all new buildings over some threshold (say $500,000). Simply pulling energy from the current grid is not an option. New builds need to also bring their own energy - solar, wind, hydrogen, etc.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Sierra Club of Indiana; Vote Common Good, Elect Good People; APWU - The American Postal Workers Union; UFCW - The United Food & Commercial Workers.

What committees interest you?

Natural Resources

Energy, Utilities, and Telecom

Legislative Ethics

Roads and Transporation

Veteran's Affairs and Public Safety

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

100% Transparency and accountability.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Good. Indiana needs to implement ballot initiatives