Elected Officials profiles

Russ Stilwell
State Representative

Russ Stilwell was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in his first attempt at public office in 1996.

Russ is the House Democrat floor leader.

Russ and his wife Joanna, a self-employed small business owner, reside in Boonville. They have grown twin sons: Matt, who is a school teacher and coach in Jasper; and Ben, who is an engineer in Evansville. Russ and Joanna have three grandchildren.

A third-generation coal miner, Russ was drafted into the U.S. armed forces shortly after his High School years. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in 1969 after serving in a combat infantry unit in Vietnam. After returning home from Vietnam, Russ began work as a coal miner in Warrick County. While working the evening shift at the mine, Russ returned to school under the G.I. Bill where he earned his B.S. degree in Political Science and Social Science from the University of Southern Indiana.

Representative Stilwell continued working in the coal mines until he was promoted to a position representing coal miners for his union in the 1980's. He continues that position today as a political coordinator for numerous states.

Representative Stilwell believes that hard work, sound values, common sense and a respect and trust of working families is essential to a productive life and good government. He has spent his entire adult live working as a coal miner and representing working-class people and their families. He has continued that role as an outspoken proponent for working families in Indianapolis.

Representative Stilwell also was selected as one of 75 Americans who oversaw the first free and fair elections in South Africa in 1994. He also was appointed by former Gov. Evan Bayh to two terms to the Indiana Air Pollution Control Board and is a former member of the State Utility Regulatory Nominating Commission and the State Solid Waste Facility Site Approval Authority.

Representative Stilwell is a member of VFV, American Legion, Elks, Moose, Community Activities and the Methodist Church.