INDIANA – State Rep. J. Davisson (R-Salem) has announced his candidacy for District 69 state representative.
Davisson, 40, was selected in October to serve the remainder of his late father’s term. Steve Davisson served as District 73 state representative from 2010 until his death in September following a lengthy battle with cancer. As a result of legislative redistricting, district lines shifted, leaving Davisson in a different district for the upcoming election.
“The district moved, but I haven’t,” Davisson said. “The other thing that hasn’t changed is my commitment to serving my community and the surrounding region.”
After his unanimous selection in October and with the legislative session only two months away, Davisson said he went right to work. The session started on Jan. 4, and Davisson has introduced legislation to honor fallen military members, reduce barriers to adoption, increase school transparency and reduce and modernize government.
In addition, he has held “Doughnuts with Davisson” listening sessions, something he plans to continue to do.
“I welcome every opportunity to listen to and learn from my fellow Hoosiers,” Davisson said. “I am looking forward to meeting as many people as possible and to hearing their concerns and ideas.”
The new District 69 includes parts of Bartholomew, Jackson, Scott, and Washington counties, all familiar territory to Davisson, who was born and raised in Salem.
He earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University. Following a 17-year Army career, the disabled and decorated combat veteran returned home to join his father and brothers in their family-owned pharmacy, where Davisson now manages business operations.
Davisson is raising his two children after losing his wife to cancer last year. A member of Salem Church of the Nazarene and Salem Masonic Lodge 21, Davisson served as Washington County Young Republican chairman and served for nine years on the board of directors of the Indiana War Memorial Commission, having been appointed by former Gov. Mike Pence and reappointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
“I am grateful for the chance to serve and looking forward to earning the opportunity to continue to serve the area I know and love,” Davisson said.
