Richard Moss

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Richard Moss

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

May 7, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Indiana University

Medical

Indiana University

Personal

Religion

Jewish

Profession

Specialist

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal website

Personal Facebook

Richard Moss (Republican Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent Indiana's 8th Congressional District. He lost in the Republican primary on May 7, 2024.

Elections

2024

See also: Indiana's 8th Congressional District election, 2024

Indiana's 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 7 Republican primary)

Indiana's 8th Congressional District election, 2024 (May 7 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House Indiana District 8

Erik Hurt, Mark Messmer, and K. Richard Fitzlaff are running in the general election for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate
		Erik Hurt (D)
		Mark Messmer (R)
		K. Richard Fitzlaff (L)

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8

Erik Hurt defeated Edward Upton Sein, Michael Talarzyk, and Peter Priest II in the Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on May 7, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Erik Hurt	45.1	8,204
		Edward Upton Sein	22.5	4,087
		Michael Talarzyk	20.9	3,796
		Peter Priest II	11.5	2,098

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. Source	Total votes: 18,185
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Kellie Moore (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on May 7, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark Messmer	38.5	30,668
		John N. Hostettler	19.7	15,649
		Richard Moss	14.1	11,227
		Dominick Jack Kavanaugh	11.8	9,397
		Kristi Risk	9.2	7,350
		Luke Misner	2.9	2,287
		Jim Case	2.6	2,107
		Jeremy Heath	1.2	944

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. Source	Total votes: 79,629
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Jon Schrock (R)
• Larry Bucshon (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

Pledges

Moss signed the following pledges. To send us additional pledges, click here.

• Taxpayer Protection Pledge, Americans for Tax Reform

2018

See also: Indiana's 8th Congressional District election, 2018

General election

General election for U.S. House Indiana District 8

Incumbent Larry Bucshon defeated William Tanoos in the general election for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Larry Bucshon (R)	64.4	157,396
		William Tanoos (D)	35.6	86,895

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 244,291 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8

William Tanoos advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on May 8, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		William Tanoos	100.0	26,232

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 26,232
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Glen Miller (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8

Incumbent Larry Bucshon defeated Richard Moss and Rachel Covington in the Republican primary for U.S. House Indiana District 8 on May 8, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Larry Bucshon	63.0	34,516
		Richard Moss	25.2	13,831
		Rachel Covington	11.8	6,451

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 54,798
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

2016

See also: Indiana's 8th Congressional District election, 2016

Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Republican. Incumbent Larry Bucshon (R) won re-election in 2016. Bucshon defeated Ron Drake (D) and Andrew Horning (L) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Bucshon defeated Richard Moss in the Republican primary. On the other side of the aisle, Ron Drake defeated David Orentlicher to win the Democratic nomination. The Democratic primary race remained uncalled for months following the election. The primary elections took place on May 3, 2016.

U.S. House, Indiana District 8 General Election, 2016

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Republican	Larry Bucshon Incumbent	63.7%	187,702
	Democratic	Ron Drake	31.7%	93,356
	Libertarian	Andrew Horning	4.6%	13,655
Total Votes				294,713
Source: Indiana Division of Elections

U.S. House, Indiana District 8 Republican Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Larry Buchson Incumbent	65%	72,889
Richard Moss	35%	39,168
Total Votes		112,057
Source: Indiana Secretary of State

U.S. House, Indiana District 8 Democratic Primary, 2016

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Ron Drake	50.1%	29,270
David Orentlicher	49.9%	29,206
Total Votes		58,476
Source: Indiana Secretary of State

2014

See also: Indiana House of Representatives elections, 2014

Elections for the Indiana House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 6, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 7, 2014. Mike Braun defeated Richard Moss in the Republican primary and was unchallenged in the general election.

Indiana House of Representatives, District 63 Republican Primary, 2014

Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Mike Braun	66.8%	4,611
Richard Moss	33.2%	2,292
Total Votes		6,903

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Richard Moss did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2018

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's candidate surveys

Richard Moss participated in Ballotpedia's candidate survey on April 9, 2018. The survey questions appear in bold, and Richard Moss's responses follow below.

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

“

1) immigration: NO DACA, amnesty, chain migration, build a wall, end birthright citizenship 2) balance budget, cut spending and govt. 3) rein in out of control federal courts and judicial tyranny

”

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

“

free market healthcare reform, immigration, term limits, judicial reform, restoring resources and power to states

”

Ballotpedia also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Richard Moss answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

“

Founders, Ronald Reagan. Would use the founders or Reagan as role model for amazing clarity of vision, courage, and conservative philosophy.

”

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

“

Understanding the unique vision of the founders in elevating the individual, creating an empire of liberty, the essence of America.

”

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

“

Steeped in conservative philosophy, clear vision of how far we have fallen, understand the role of culture, strong families, faith, and virtue in providing a cultural platform for our system to work

”

What legacy would you like to leave?

“

I am a patriot who understands the uniqueness of America, wants desperately to preserve and cultivate it, and ready to enter the fray to do defend it.

”

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

“

delivering circulars going door to door age 5 in the Bronx

”

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

“

I love the Thanksgiving-Christmas interlude, a time of wonder and joy. Although Jewish, I love the Christmas season,

”

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

“

Making immigration policy that protects America's interest, not the interests of immigrants wanting to come here or the countries trying to send them here.

”

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

“

yep although 4 years would be nice,

”

What are your thoughts on term limits?

“

favor them. 12 years tops.

”

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

“

yes, whatever i position i could win

”

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

“

Jim Jordan currently doing a good job.

”

2016

The following issues were listed on Moss' campaign website. For a full list of campaign themes, click here.

“	Immigration: Immigration is the key issue of the day because it is the back door mechanism for the left (and clueless Republicans) to undermine the nation and ensure permanent Democrat majorities that will destroy the country. It must be dealt with firmly and resolutely. Immigration is not an entitlement program for the poor of the world nor does it exist to provide relief for corrupt, failed nations. Immigration exists to benefit the US and the American people. Balanced Budgets, Welfare, Entitlements: Our current spending levels are unsustainable. This is based on reports from the General Accounting Office (GAO), the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), and the actuaries and trustees for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Our politicians are borrowing from future generations to buy votes today and to empower themselves. We are also printing enormous sums of money, which will lead to inflation and a weakened currency. It encourages profligate spending. It is a drug for our addicted profligate politicians. Term Limits: I favor term limits as perhaps the most effective mechanism to end our reckless spending, relentless growth of government, and the destructive professional “career” political class in both parties with their legions of special interests, consultants, and lobbyists (the “Washington Cartel” aka the “One Party Oligarchy”) that have done so much damage to this country. Economic Growth: Limited government, low taxes, and reduced regulations foster economic growth, prosperity, and jobs. I support a low, broad based simplified flat tax. We need to cut red tape and regulations to help small businesses grow. We must encourage research, development, and innovation in our universities and business community. Lean and Effective Government: Government should be small but effective, and should focus on its core Constitutional functions – which are to protect liberty, private property, and the rule of law, to defend the nation and secure our borders. It should cut wasteful spending and balance its budget. It should develop necessary infrastructure and promote innovation, business development, and a vibrant economy and civil society. It should not pick winners and losers. It must reject Crony Capitalism also known as corporate welfare.	”
—Richard Moss' campaign website (2016), http://www.rmoss4congress.com/Where-I-Stand.html

2014

Moss' website highlighted the following campaign themes:

“

Lean and Effective Government Government should be small but effective, and should focus on its core functions – which is to protect citizens, maintain safety, ensure law and order, and preserve the environment. It should cut wasteful spending and balance its budget. It should develop necessary infrastructure and promote innovation, business development, and a vibrant economy. Economic Growth Limited government and low taxes fosters economic development, prosperity, and jobs. We need to cut red tape and regulations to help small businesses grow. I support recruiting businesses and entrepreneurs to Southern Indiana through low taxes, first-rate infrastructure (including the completion of IN 67 and IN 69), exceptional schools, a strong workforce - and efficient government. We must encourage research, development, and innovation in our universities and business community. Hoosier Values/Strong Families A strong, moral culture centered on the traditional, intact married family is the key element of our Hoosier values. I will fight to restore and protect marriage and the traditional family. I won’t back down in my support for traditional marriage. Hoosiers can count on me to stand firm on my pro-life beliefs. Protecting the sanctity of life is one of the most important functions of government, and I will be a staunch defender of pro-life values. 2nd Amendment Gun rights are a part of our Hoosier heritage and are protected by the Constitution. I am pro-2nd Amendment and will stand in the way of those who attempt to take away our God-given rights to self-defense. Education Our educational institutions must provide students with marketable skills that will enable them to find jobs, through vocational training and instruction in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) programs. I encourage business-school partnerships that will better guide students in acquiring the necessary skills and expertise to secure future employment. We must provide incentives and standards for our students, teachers, and schools to ensure optimal performance and progress. I support advanced placement programs and merit-based scholarships for deserving students. Energy I stand strong in support of safe and environmentally sound development of our natural resources, including coal and other fossil fuels. These industries provide good paying jobs for our citizens, tax revenue for the government, and valuable energy for a growing economy. Health Care Reform As a doctor, I know that our current medical system is in dire need of reform. But Obamacare is not the way. I will not back down in my opposition to Obamacare and all attempts to nationalize our medical system. We need to encourage individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices and smart decisions as consumers of health care. Health Savings Accounts are an important tool to lower the cost of health care through competition, choice, and free market reforms. I am against taxpayer-funded health care for illegal aliens and non-citizens. Let me say it again – I will oppose the implementation of Obamacare in the state of Indiana. Welfare Reform Welfare should be a temporary helping hand, not a way of life. There are those in our community who are down on their luck and in tough circumstances, and we should help those people. But I also believe that we can reform our welfare system to encourage individuals to find work quickly. The poor also desire personal dignity and should be encouraged to join the work force and become independent. Immigration Hoosiers are sick and tired of the failure of politicians at the federal level to address the problem of illegal immigrants in our work force. Because of a failure by the federal government, I believe that state and local authorities must enforce our laws for illegal immigrants as they do for US citizens. Indiana has taken some positive steps in recent years, and I support efforts to work with businesses to confirm the immigration status of anyone before hiring them. I will oppose amnesty and taxpayer benefits for those who come here illegally. I support skilled, educated, legal immigrants coming to Indiana to find employment, obey our laws, pay taxes, and become productive members of the state.

”

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Richard Moss campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House Indiana District 8	Lost primary	$757,656	$757,656
2018	U.S. House Indiana District 8	Lost primary	$87,291	N/A**
Grand total			$844,947	$757,656
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only availabale data.

Endorsements

2014

In 2014, Moss' endorsements included:

• Indiana Family Institute

See also

2024 Elections

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External links

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Candidate

U.S. House Indiana District 8

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Footnotes

[show]

Indiana's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Mike Braun (R)

Todd Young (R)

Representatives

District 1

Frank Mrvan (D)

District 2

Rudy Yakym (R)

District 3

Jim Banks (R)

District 4

Jim Baird (R)

District 5

Victoria Spartz (R)

District 6

Greg Pence (R)

District 7

André Carson (D)

District 8

Larry Bucshon (R)

District 9

Erin Houchin (R)

Republican Party (9)

Democratic Party (2)