Todd Nightenhelser

HUNTINGTON, Ind. (WOWO): A Huntington small business owner is running for Congress.

Todd Nightenhelser is the only Democratic candidate announced so far for the 3rd District Congressional Seat currently held by Marlin Stutzman. He has no experience in politics, but says several people have asked him to get into public service, including the state's Democratic Party. 

One of the issues that bothers him is the divide in Congress. “We see next to nothing being done in Congress itself.” Nightenhelser told WOWO news. “That's just frustrating. We, the American taxpayer, pay those people to be there to help us and make things better. And their track record is pretty poor.”

Nightenhelser also is concerned with education issues, including high dropout rates, excessive testing, and high college debt. 

Politically, he describes himself as a typical Hoosier Democrat. “I see myself politically as a strong progressive as far as right and left. I'm a Hoosier, I stay close to the line a little on the left…pretty moderate, I'd say.” 

Nightenhelser will face the winner of the Republican primary that right now includes State Senators Jim Banks and Liz Brown as well as former Wisconsin State Senator Dr. Pam Galloway.

Nightenhelser owns the TCB Games store in Huntington.