Heaton Wins Indiana House District 46 Seat
Republican incumbent Bob Heaton defeated Democrat James Pittsford III in the Indiana House District 46 race.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Republican Bob Heaton won reelection to Indiana House District 46, defeating Democrat James Pittsford III. The Associated Press called the race after 93% of ballots were counted, with Heaton holding 56.9% of the vote.
Why it matters
Heaton's win keeps the District 46 seat in Republican hands for another term, extending a tenure he began in 2010. His stated priorities include tax cuts, K-12 and infrastructure investment, and rural high-speed internet.
With 93% of ballots counted, Heaton held 56.9% of the vote in the race against Pittsford. The remaining 7% of ballots were not yet tallied when the Associated Press called the race.
The players
Bob Heaton
Republican incumbent who has represented Indiana House District 46 since 2010 and previously served as president of Heaton Financial Services for 23 years.
James Pittsford III
Democratic challenger who ran against Heaton in the Indiana House District 46 race.
The details
Heaton, who has held the seat since 2010, won the race decided by vote on Tuesday, November 3. He filed two bills in January, one of which would prohibit government discrimination against those who provide adoption services in line with their religious beliefs.
Timeline
2010: Heaton first took the District 46 seat.
January 2026: Heaton filed two bills.
November 3, 2026: Election held; Heaton won against Pittsford.
Political Context
District 46 covers Ellettsville, Spencer, and western areas of Monroe County, where the seat has remained under incumbent control since 2010. Heaton's win extends that continuity by sustaining his legislative agenda into another term.
Heaton's stated priorities include tax cuts, investment in K-12 schools and infrastructure, and high-speed internet for rural areas. The January bill on adoption services could affect how state agencies work with faith-based providers if it advances.
The takeaway
District 46 voters have kept Heaton in office since 2010, and his next term will test whether his tax, school, and rural broadband priorities move forward in the legislature.
Further reading
For more on state contests, see Indiana Elections coverage.
