TL;DR
The International Franchise Association (IFA) endorsed 39 bipartisan candidates in 10 states ahead of their May primary elections, recognizing their support for pro-business policies. The IFA applauded the candidates' leadership on policies supporting locally owned franchise small businesses.
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.
In this story
This story was originally published by International Franchise Association in Franchising.com on May 5, 2026. Burnaze summarizes and links to the original reporting.
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