Ask Sarah
Where Sarah stands on the issues — in her own words, drawn from her platform and her Ballotpedia candidate survey. Don't see your question? Email the campaign.
Where Sarah stands on the issues
What's Sarah's plan for public schools?
Sarah taught for 18 years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Albany, and her own three children attend public schools in Harrison County. Her priority is returning public tax dollars to public schools — where, in her words, “over 90% of our Hoosier kids attend.” That means fully funding and protecting public schools, supporting educators with fair pay and classroom resources, and strengthening local schools so families can count on them.
What does Sarah think about charter schools and vouchers?
From her 2026 Ballotpedia candidate survey: “A giant chunk of public funds are being diverted to religious and charter schools. Our public schools across the state are suffering.” The first bill she said she'd introduce, in her 2024 survey, was one to “stop the terrible loopholes that are allowing failing charter schools to take millions of our taxpayer dollars” — money she believes should go back to public schools.
How will Sarah help with property taxes and the cost of living?
Sarah wants real property tax relief for working families, transparency in how taxes are calculated, and a stop to utilities shifting costs onto ratepayers. From her 2026 candidate survey: “Our energy bills are too high, our water bills are rising… I will work to stop all of these things.”
Where does Sarah stand on data centers in rural Indiana?
She opposes them. From her 2026 candidate survey: “Data centers and other harmful giant industrial buildings are popping up in our rural communities that harm those who live here. I will work to stop all of these things.” She lists “governing data centers” among her top policy passions.
What's Sarah's plan for rural healthcare?
Protect rural hospitals from closure, improve access to doctors, specialists, and mental health care across the district, support rural healthcare providers, and keep local care affordable. Sarah has covered the closure of rural OB/GYN programs and hospital consolidations across Indiana through her work at Project Next Media.
Where does Sarah stand on abortion and reproductive rights?
Sarah supports a woman's right to make her own medical decisions with her doctors. In her 2024 candidate survey, sharing her own story:
I have lost two babies and almost died from a complicated pregnancy. I was able to get the care I needed from my doctors because this happened before Indiana enacted our current abortion bans. These scary health scares and loss of my babies have made me stronger and given me a desire to protect women today that do not have the same rights I had.
In her 2026 survey she lists “women's right to their own bodies” among her core policy passions.
Does Sarah support LGBTQ+ Hoosiers?
Yes. In her 2026 Ballotpedia candidate survey, “protect the pride community” is on her short list of areas where she wants better state law.
What about affordable housing and renters' rights?
Sarah lists “affordable housing” and “better rights for renters” among her top policy passions in her 2026 candidate survey. She has not yet released detailed legislative proposals — email the campaign to follow this issue.
What's Sarah's plan for small businesses and family farms?
Support local entrepreneurs, strengthen family farms, ensure fair competition (don't tilt the field toward the biggest players), and promote local job growth. In her words: “Indiana's economy should work for local communities.”
Will Sarah take corporate money?
No. From her 2026 Ballotpedia candidate survey: “I will not take corporate money.” She believes “the super wealthy and corporations have bought and paid for the majority of our state representatives” and wants to be a voice for the people who actually elect her.
Will Sarah work with Republicans?
Yes. From her candidate surveys: “I am a Democrat and would enjoy learning from Republicans. This sort of compromise used to happen in the past, and I know we can get there again. I would be willing to help with this problem and have many Republican friends in office in my county.” Working across the aisle on things that affect daily life is a stated priority.
What committees does Sarah want to serve on?
In her 2024 survey she listed Education, Public Health, Public Safety, and Environmental Protections as the committees that interest her.
About Sarah
Why is Sarah running?
Sarah taught for 18 years, then during the pandemic worked with families facing housing instability and financial hardship. The experience convinced her that “state government serves special interests instead of the people who put food on their families' tables.” She first ran in 2024, lost to the incumbent, co-founded Project Next Media with Dr. Tim Peck after that race, and is running again in 2026 with the seat now open.
What's Sarah's background?
Born in Louisville, Kentucky; raised in Floyds Knobs, Indiana. Graduated Floyd Central High School in 1999. Bachelor's in Elementary Education from Indiana University Southeast (2003) and a Master's in Education from Indiana Wesleyan University (2008). Taught for 18 years at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in New Albany. Now co-founder of Project Next Media. Lives in Palmyra with her husband Chris and three children.
Tell me about Sarah's family.
Sarah and her husband Chris have been married ten years and live in Palmyra. They have three kids: Micah (teenager) and twins Adeline and Asher. All three attend public schools in Harrison County.
What is Project Next Media?
An independent Indiana newsroom Sarah co-founded in 2024 with Dr. Tim Peck, an ER doctor running for Congress. Built on the idea that taking the fear, hate, and division out of the news lets neighbors hear each other again. Sarah hosts long-form interviews with local candidates, veterans, teachers, and community leaders.
What is Sarah's religion?
Christian. She taught for 18 years at a Catholic school (Our Lady of Perpetual Help in New Albany).
The 2026 race
When is the general election?
Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls open 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. local time. The voter registration deadline is October 5. Early voting runs October 6 through midday November 2.
Who is Sarah running against?
Scott Fluhr, the Republican nominee, who won the GOP primary on May 5, 2026 with 68.7% over John Colburn. There is no incumbent in this race — Karen Engleman, who held the seat, is not running again.
Who has endorsed Sarah?
Sarah's 2026 endorsements include Indivisible Southern Indiana, MadVoters Indiana, Our Choice Coalition, and Tim Peck for Congress. (Sourced from her Ballotpedia profile.)
What towns are in House District 70?
District 70 covers parts of Harrison, Washington, and Floyd counties — including Corydon, Palmyra, Greenville, New Salisbury, Crandall, Lanesville, Elizabeth, Laconia, Mauckport, Central, and Milltown.
Get involved
How do I donate?
Online via ActBlue. Sarah doesn't take corporate money — every dollar comes from neighbors who want to see this campaign succeed.
How do I volunteer?
Fill out the volunteer form. Knocking doors, making calls, hosting a meet-and-greet, sharing the message with neighbors — every bit helps reach every voter in the district before November 3.
How do I check whether I live in District 70?
Use the address lookup on the Am I in District 70? page. For the authoritative answer, look up your voting districts at indy.gov.
No questions match your search. Try a different term, or email the campaign directly.
Hear from Sarah directly
Some answers come across better in Sarah's own voice. Short clips from the trail and stump.
Don't see your question?
Email the campaign at me@sarahblessing.com and someone will get back to you. We'll add answers to common questions here as the campaign goes on.