WABASH — Wabash County Democratic Party Chairman Chad Harris recently entered the race for the seat of outgoing District 18 State Rep. Dave Wolkins.

Chad Harris

Harris, 40, has been the Wabash County Democratic Chair for four years. He currently resides in Wabash. He is a 1998 graduate of Northfield Jr./Sr. High School in Wabash. He works as a Shipping/Receiving Clerk at Automated Egg Producers in North Manchester.

“I decided to run for state rep this year because I believe it is important to have a choice,” said Harris. 

“Dave Wolkins has been in this seat for 32 years and does not represent the average person in District 18,” he said.

According to Harris, Wolkins has been in the pocket of special interest, noting Wolkins’ position as Indiana State Chair of the American Legislative Exchange Council.

Republicans Craig Snow, of Warsaw, and Russ Reahard, of Wabash, have filed to run for the seat.

“The Republicans currently running for this seat will operate the same way, it’s time for a change,” said Harris. He said he will not accept campaign donations from big corporations above $200.

Harris ran for Wabash County Council in 2014. He has spent 21 years in the political realm, gaining experience “as a party organizer and an activist; working in many local and state races.”

If elected Harris would “advocate for teachers, the working poor and the middle class,” he said.