IFA Endorses Congressional Candidates in 10 States Ahead of May Primary Elections

Awards bipartisan “Friend of Franchising” endorsements to congressional candidates in Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, West Virginia, Louisiana, Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia, Oregon, and Pennsylvania for their support of local franchise businesses

“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:

• Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN)

• Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN)

• Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN)

• Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH)

• Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH)

• Rep. Mike Carey (R-OH)

• Rep. Greg Landsman (D-OH)

• Rep. Mike Rulli (R-OH)

• Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE)

• Rep. Mike Flood (R-NE)

• Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)

• Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV)

• Rep. Riley Moore (R-WV)

• 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)

• Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL)

• Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL)

• Rep. Gary Palmer (R-AL)

• Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL)

• Rep. Dale Strong (R-AL)

• Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY)

• Rep. James Comer (R-KY)

• Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY)

• Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-KY)

• Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA)

• Rep. Brian Jack (R-GA)

• Rep. Rich McCormick (R-GA)

• Rep. Cliff Bentz (R-OR)

• Rep. Janelle Bynum (D-OR)

• 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)

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.

IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.