Ronald Itnyre

Ronald Itnyre (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Indiana State Senate to represent District 27. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. He advanced from the Democratic primary on May 5, 2026.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Ron Itnyre is a candidate for the Indiana State Senate in District 27. He is a professor and Director of Sustainability at Indiana University East and previously worked as a corn breeder after earning a doctorate in plant pathology. Itnyre grew up on a 300-acre corn and beef farm. His campaign focuses on “Smart Taxes, Strong Schools, and Protect Farms,” emphasizing property tax balance, support for public education, and strengthening rural communities.

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?

The campaign is built around three core priorities focused on strengthening local communities and supporting long-term stability across Indiana.

Smart Taxes means pursuing property tax policies that provide meaningful relief for homeowners, farmers, and retirees while still protecting the local services communities depend on. Schools, public safety, infrastructure, and libraries all rely on stable funding, and tax policy should be designed to balance affordability with maintaining strong, functioning communities.Strong Schools reflects the importance of a stable and effective education system at every level. Public schools play a central role in preparing students for the workforce, supporting families, and sustaining local economies. Policies should ensure consistent funding, support teachers, and expand opportunities for career and technical education, while maintaining access to quality education in both urban and rural areas.Protect Farms emphasizes the role of agriculture and rural communities in Indiana’s economy and identity. Family farms and local agricultural businesses face challenges from rising costs, market pressures, and land use changes. Policy approaches should support local agriculture, strengthen supply chains, and ensure that development decisions respect farmland and the needs of rural communities.

Together, these three priorities focus on maintaining economic stability, supporting education and workforce development, and preserving the agricultural foundation that contributes to the state’s long-term growth and community strength.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Dr. Ron Itnyre’s life is rooted in the same values that define rural Indiana. He grew up on a 300-acre corn and beef farm, learning firsthand the importance of hard work, responsibility, and community. Those lessons guided him through a career in agriculture, science, and education, and today as a professor at Indiana University East, he continues serving the next generation. Ron understands that families need smart taxes that provide relief without weakening local communities. He knows strong schools are the foundation of opportunity and workforce growth. And he believes we must protect farms—because agriculture isn’t just our past, it’s our future.

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