05/06/2026
Congratulations to Kim Townsend!
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Kim Townsend Wins Democratic Primary for Indiana State Representative House District 36, Outperforming Uncontested Republican Opponent on Election Night
[Anderson, Indiana] — Kim Townsend has won the Democratic Primary Election for Indiana State Representative House District 36, capturing 3,794 votes — 87.7% of the Democratic primary vote — in a commanding victory over her opponent Nouhad E. Melki II. In an extraordinary showing, Townsend also outperformed the uncontested Republican nominee Kyle Pierce (3,688 votes) — despite Republicans casting nearly 1,900 more ballots than Democrats across Madison County.
Townsend’s performance is particularly noteworthy given the countywide partisan landscape. Republican voters cast 8,917 ballots to Democrats’ 7,050 — a gap of nearly 1,900 votes — yet Townsend’s total surpassed that of her Republican general election opponent. Political observers note this as a strong indicator of Townsend’s broad, crossover appeal heading into November.
“Tonight the people of Anderson and Madison County sent a clear message,” said Townsend. “They are ready for experienced, proven leadership at the Statehouse. I am humbled by this victory and energized for the road ahead. We are just getting started.”
A lifelong Anderson resident with 31+ years of public service, Townsend has served as CEO of the Anderson Housing Authority since 2018, securing more than $4 million in federal grants for the community. She is a breast cancer survivor and a 2025 Woman of Impact awardee.
“Kim Townsend has proven tonight that she is the people’s candidate — not just for Democrats, but for everyone in HD-36,” said Jalen Townsend, Campaign Director. “The numbers speak for themselves. She out-performed an uncontested Republican in his own primary. The path to November is wide open.”
Townsend will face Republican Kyle Pierce in the November 3, 2026 General Election. Her campaign priorities include affordable housing, healthcare access, economic growth, quality education, public safety, and voter engagement. “We fought hard for every vote in this primary, and we will fight even harder between now and November,” Townsend added. “Anderson and Madison County deserve a representative who has lived here, served here, and is committed to fighting for them every single day. That is exactly what I will do.”
For media inquiries, please contact Jalen Townsend at [email protected] or 765-639-1123. To learn more, visit votefortownsend.com.
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Kim Townsend for Indiana State Representative HD-36