Christopher Judy joined fellow candidates on October 15, 2026, for a candidate forum hosted by the Building Contractors Association of Northeast Indiana (BCA) at The History Center in downtown Fort Wayne.
Each candidate was asked to explain why they decided to run for office. In his remarks to association members, Judy focused on the pressure rising living costs place on Hoosier households and the steps Indiana has taken to help families keep more of what they earn.
Judy pointed to federal monetary policy as a contributor to those pressures and emphasized the role state government can play through tax relief, responsible budgeting and paying down long-term obligations.
Keeping more money in Hoosiers’ pockets
Lower income taxes. Judy highlighted the tax-cut package passed in 2022, when Indiana’s individual income-tax rate was 3.23%. The state rate is 2.95% in 2026 and is scheduled to fall to 2.9% on January 1, 2027. View Indiana’s income-tax rates.
Relief on utility bills. Indiana eliminated the 1.4% Utility Receipts Tax, which applied to utility services including electricity, natural gas, water, sewage and telecommunications. The repeal took effect July 1, 2022, removing that state tax from the cost of essential services. Read the Department of Revenue’s repeal notice.
Property-tax relief. Beginning in 2026, qualifying homesteads receive a credit equal to 10% of their property-tax liability, capped at $300 annually. Judy also discussed additional relief for eligible seniors and disabled veterans, along with reforms moving tax referenda to general elections to encourage broader voter participation. Learn about the homestead credit.
Paying down pension obligations. Judy highlighted Indiana’s $2.5 billion additional contribution toward the pre-1996 teachers’ pension fund, using excess reserves to reduce a long-term liability. He connected that payment with his emphasis on balanced budgets and avoiding passing old obligations to future generations. See the state’s financial report.
Temporary relief at the pump. Judy also discussed Indiana’s temporary suspension of the gasoline use tax and gasoline excise tax after fuel prices rose this spring. He cited savings of up to 60 cents per gallon and emphasized maintaining local road funding while providing relief to drivers. The amount of tax relief varies with the applicable rates. View the Department of Revenue’s gas-tax information.
Education pathways and the skilled trades
Judy also spoke about education pathways and the importance of exposing students to a wide range of options for their futures, including the skilled trades. His remarks emphasized helping students explore different opportunities as they consider their next steps.
The forum gave association members an opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their motivations for public service. Judy’s remarks centered on household affordability and his view that disciplined state finances can support meaningful relief for Hoosiers.