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The International Franchise Association endorsed bipartisan candidates ahead of their May primary elections, applauding their leadership on pro-business policies supporting America's locally owned franchise small businesses. Named a "Friend of Franchising," IFA endorsed 39 candidates in Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, West Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Oregon, and Pennsylvania.
"These candidates recognize the vital role franchise small businesses play on Main Streets across America," said Michael Layman, IFA chief advocacy officer. "It's critical to have leaders who support pro-growth, pro-franchise policies that understand that franchises are local businesses and should be treated as such. The strength of the franchise community lies in its bipartisan support, and we are proud to endorse candidates who understand and champion that impact."
Below is the full list of May 2026 endorsements:
Indiana: May 5 Primary
Rep. Erin Houchin, R-Ind.
Rep. Mark Messmer, R-Ind.
Rep. Rudy Yakym, R-Ind.
Ohio: May 5 Primary
Sen. Jon Husted, R-Ohio
Rep. Troy Balderson, R-Ohio
Rep. Mike Carey, R-Ohio
Rep. Greg Landsman, R-Ohio
Rep. Mike Rulli, R-Ohio
Nebraska: May 12 Primary
Sen. Pete Ricketts, R-Neb.
Rep. Mike Flood, R-Neb.
West Virginia: May 12 Primary
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.
Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va.
Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va.
Louisiana: May 16 Primary
Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La.
Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La.
Rep. Troy Carter, D-La.
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.
Rep. Cleo Fields, D-La.
Alabama: May 19 Primary
Rep. Robert Aderholt, R-Ala.
Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Ala.
Rep. Gary Palmer, R-Ala.
Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Ala.
Rep. Dale Strong, R-Ala.
Kentucky: May 19 Primary
Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky.
Rep. James Comer, R-Ky.
Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Ky.
Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky.
Georgia: May 19 Primary
Rep. Rick Allen, R-Ga.
Rep. Brian Jack, R-Ga.
Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga.
Oregon: May 19 Primary
Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ore.
Rep. Janelle Bynum, D-Ore.
Pennsylvania: May 19 Primary
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa.
Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Pa.
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa.
Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa.
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Pa.
Rep. Lloyd Smucker, R-Pa.
Rep. G.T. Thompson, R-Pa.