Russ Stilwell was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in his first attempt at public office in 1996. His fellow caucus membes elected him to be their House Majority Leader in 2002, a position he still maintains today.
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 near Dayton, OH and Ben, who is an comptroller for Berry Plastics in their Evansville, IN office. Russ and Joanna have six grandchildren – Taylor 12, Kailyn 9, Cole 7, Joey5, Sloane 2 & Blair 1.
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 and following a couple bouts with Malaria, 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 early 1980's. He retired from Mineworkers after a 35-year career. He was the union’s national Political Coordinator overseeing several states upon his retirement.
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 life 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's 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 Life Member of the VFW, a member of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, Elks, Red Cross and several community activities. He and his wife Joanna are members of the Main Street Methodist Church in Boonville.
Russ's Message
Russ Stilwell has worked his entire life for the betterment of working families and hard working Hoosiers. And he has made a difference too. Throughout his career with the mineworkers, Russ has championed issues that make life better for hard working Hoosier families. During his first term in the legislature in 1997, Russ showed his independence by refusing to vote for a budget of his own party until issues important to Hoosier families were addressed. And they were.
"I believe that you must care about issues folks in your district bring to you. I believe that you must address every phone call, every email and every concern just like you would want someone to do for you or your family. I have done my best to serve you and your family. I hope I have earned your trust. I ask you for your support in the November 2010 election."
Family
- Married to Joanna Stilwell – 36 Years
- Twin Sons – Matt and Lisa Stilwell and Ben and Amy Stilwell
- Six Grandchildren – Taylor, Kailyn, Cole, Joey, Sloane, Blair
Experience
- 12 years - State Representative District 74
- Elected House Majority Leader 2002
- Served on numerous House Committees including Labor & Employment, Public Policy, Road and Transportation, Rural Affairs and Agriculture, Rules Committee and Ethics Committee.
- Elected participant at numerous State and National Democrat Conventions.
- U.S. Election Observer in the historic South African Elections in 1994.
- Member of the Indiana Utility Nominating Commission (Appointed by Governor Orr)
- Member of the Indiana Air Pollution Control Board (Appointed by Governor Bayh)
- A good listener, a common sense approach to problems and a tireless voice for Hoosiers.
- Always placed constituent service as a Number #! Priority.
Community Service
- Member, Farm Bureau
- Life Member, Veteran’s Foreign Wars (VFW)
- Member, American Legion
- Member, Disable American Veteran’s
- Member, Elks Post Lodge
- Member, UMWA Local 1189
- Member, Alcoa Community Action Board (CAB)
- Former Little League coach and Board Member
- Former Junior League Football coach and Board Member
- United Methodist Church