JEFFERSONVILLE— On Wednesday evening, Community leader Wendy Dant Chesser was unanimously selected by Democratic precinct committeepersons as the next State Representative for District 71. She will replace the former state rep. Rita Fleming, who retired earlier this month. Rep.-elect Dant Chesser also won a concurrent caucus to be the Democratic candidate for District 71 in the November general election.
District 71 is situated on the Ohio River and includes all of Jeffersonville, Clarksville, and a portion of New Albany.
Wendy previously served as the President and CEO of One Southern Indiana (1si), the regional chamber of commerce and local economic development organization for Clark and Floyd counties. While leading 1si, she facilitated the economic expansion of 130 companies that committed to creating nearly 10,000 jobs and helped grow hundreds of small businesses. Rep-elect Dant Chesser is the Chief Director for Corporate Strategy and External Affairs for the River Ridge Development Authority.
Indiana Democratic Party Chair Mike Schmuhl chaired the caucus, which took place at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jeffersonville.
“I am immensely grateful for this opportunity to represent my community at the Statehouse. I will work vigorously to uplift the reputation of our area in Indianapolis. I am confident that I can walk into the legislature on Day One with the key relationships and experience necessary to reestablish credibility for my community so that we can continue our economic achievements,” said Rep.-elect Dant Chesser. “We must build economic prosperity for all families in Southern Indiana by attracting strong businesses and good jobs to our area. I will collaborate with educators to grow the pathways to lifelong learning and use my experience to develop a workforce ready for the future.”
“Most importantly, I want to continue the legacies of Rep. Fleming and Rep. Steve Stemler. Both leaders served our district with class and distinction. I will continue their bipartisan legacy of getting results for Southern Indiana.”
Rep. Fleming released this statement upon her retirement on May 13:
“I made the difficult decision to retire because during the last few weeks away from the Statehouse, I have realized how essential I am to my family,” said Rep. Fleming. “I have 15 grandkids, and my family’s needs have changed over the years. I feel a responsibility to step down now because I know that moving forward, I cannot give my role as State Representative 100% of my efforts. While I have been able to accomplish several things for Hoosiers during my time representing District 71, moving forward, the constituents of this District deserve someone who can give them a full commitment to the work. I am confident that Wendy Dant Chesser is that person.”
