Marlin Stutzman

Marlin Stutzman – Life, Career, and Political Profile

Learn about Marlin Stutzman — American politician, farmer, and business owner. Discover his early life, legislative journey, political views, and return to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2025.

Introduction

Marlin Andrew Stutzman (born August 31, 1976) is an American Republican politician, farmer, and entrepreneur.

He currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Indiana’s 3rd Congressional District, having regained the seat in 2025 after previously holding it from 2010 to 2017.

Stutzman is known for his agricultural roots, business ventures, and conservative policy positions, particularly around fiscal restraint, limited government, and rural interests.

Early Life, Family & Education

• Marlin Stutzman was born on August 31, 1976, in Sturgis, Michigan.

• He is a fourth-generation farmer, growing up on a farm spanning parts of St. Joseph County, Michigan, and LaGrange County, Indiana.

• He completed high school at Lake Area Christian High School in Sturgis in 1994.

• He attended Glen Oaks Community College and Trine University (formerly Tri-State University), though he did not complete a degree at either institution.

• From a young age, he became involved in agricultural business. At age 16 he started his own beef cattle operation, and at 18 he joined the family enterprise.

• He co-owns Stutzman Farms, which includes crop production, cattle operations, and a trucking business.

Entry into Politics & State Office

Indiana House of Representatives

• Stutzman was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2002, taking office in January 2003 representing District 52.

• He served in the state House until 2009. During this period, he was among the younger members of the legislature, balancing political duty with farm and business responsibilities.

Indiana Senate

• In 2009, he won election to the Indiana State Senate, representing District 13.

• He resigned from the State Senate in November 2010 to assume his U.S. House seat.

During his state legislative tenure, he was active on committees such as utilities, technology, commerce, and public policy, and supported legislation for tax credits, alternative energy incentives, and government efficiency.

U.S. House of Representatives – First Tenure (2010–2017)

Entry to Congress

• In 2010, Representative Mark Souder resigned midterm. A special election was held on November 2, 2010, and Stutzman was elected both to fill the remainder of that term and to the next full term.

• He took office in November 2010 and was re-elected in 2012 and 2014.

Committee Assignments & Legislative Focus

In his first tenure in Congress, Stutzman served on several committees:

• Committee on Agriculture

• Committee on the Budget

• Committee on Veterans’ Affairs

He supported conservative fiscal policies, opposed the Affordable Care Act, and sponsored the “Right to Try” legislation (which allows terminally ill patients to try experimental drugs).

Senate Bids and Exit

• In 2010, he launched a bid for U.S. Senate, but lost in the Republican primary to Dan Coats.

• In 2015, he again ran for Senate, leaving his House seat to pursue that. He was defeated in the Republican primary by Todd Young.

• He subsequently left Congress in January 2017.

Return to Congress (2025 – Present)

• After a hiatus from elective office, Stutzman announced in April 2023 that he would run for his former seat in Indiana’s 3rd District.

• In November 2024, he won the general election, reclaiming the seat.

• He assumed the office on January 3, 2025.

In his current term, he serves on Financial Services Committee and the Budget Committee.

Political Positions & Philosophy

Marlin Stutzman is considered a conservative Republican with policy priorities including:

• Fiscal conservatism & government restraint: He advocates cutting federal spending, reducing debt, and limiting government overreach.

• Agricultural and rural interests: As a farmer himself, he emphasizes support for agricultural policy, farm subsidies, rural infrastructure, and farm freedom.

• Healthcare and “Right to Try”: He sponsored legislation giving terminally ill patients access to experimental treatments.

• Opposition to the Affordable Care Act: He has voted against or sought to defund the ACA.

• Social conservatism: He supports pro-life policies, Second Amendment rights, and conservative positions on social issues.

• Trade & regulatory skepticism: He has expressed skepticism toward broad regulatory expansion, including environmental regulation, and supports trade policies favorable to U.S. agriculture.

Personality, Business Ventures & Public Image

• Stutzman has a reputation as a grounded legislator who stays connected to his agricultural roots.

• Beyond politics, he and his wife Christy have engaged in multiple business ventures, including meat processing, restaurant operations (farm-to-fork), and agriculture-related enterprises.

• He and his family maintain Schönbrook Farm in Howe, Indiana, where they raise Wagyu beef and operate related hospitality ventures.

• He is active in local and party networks, including the farm bureau, chamber of commerce, and conservative organizations.

• His personal faith is Baptist, and he is publicly open about his background and the intersection of his religious, rural, and conservative identity.

Lessons & Takeaways

Marlin Stutzman’s career offers several insights:

1. Deep roots anchor public service
   His agricultural and business background maintains authenticity in his political identity.

2. Second chances matter
   Returning to Congress after a gap shows a willingness to re-engage and persist beyond electoral setbacks.

3. Bridging local with national
   He leverages local knowledge (farming, rural concerns) into national policy advocacy.

4. Balancing business and public roles
   Managing enterprises and public office simultaneously reflects the complexity of real-world governance.

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