Todd Young is the senior United States senator from Indiana, serving since 2017. Before the Senate, he represented Indiana’s 9th congressional district in the U.S. House and built a profile as a national security focused conservative with a policy heavy approach to economic competitiveness.
Born on August 24, 1972, Young graduated from Carmel High School and went on to the U.S. Naval Academy, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in political science. He later served as a Marine Corps intelligence officer, working in military intelligence and unmanned aerial systems before leaving active duty in 2000.
After his military service, Young pursued advanced study in economics, law, and international affairs. He earned an MBA from the University of Chicago, completed graduate work in London in international politics, and later earned a JD from Indiana University. He worked in policy, consulting, and public service roles in Indiana before winning his first House seat in 2010.
In the Senate, Young has emphasized supply chains, industrial policy, and technology competition with China, while positioning himself as a Republican open to targeted bipartisan deals. He has also focused on veterans’ issues and has argued for Congress to reclaim authority over war powers by repealing outdated use of force authorizations.
Mainstream Conservative
Committee Assignments
Caucus Memberships
Achievements
- Key Senate player on industrial policy and domestic manufacturing, including major bipartisan tech and supply chain legislation.
- Advanced bipartisan efforts to repeal outdated war authorizations and reassert congressional war powers.
- Former chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, shaping GOP Senate strategy during the 2020 cycle.
- Focused on veterans’ services and national security issues as a Marine Corps veteran.
- Built a reputation as a “workhorse” policy senator with a bipartisan lane on Commerce and competitiveness priorities.
Controversies
- Criticized by Democrats for conservative positions on abortion and opposition to broad federal abortion rights protections.
- Faced backlash for voting against creating an independent commission to investigate January 6.
- Has drawn criticism from progressives for defense spending votes and a generally hawkish posture in foreign policy.
- Opposed a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, positioning immigration reforms around merit and skills.
- Earlier climate comments and skepticism drew scrutiny from environmental groups, though his Senate profile has centered more on competitiveness and manufacturing.
Top Donors
| Donor | Total | Individuals | PACs |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Israel Public Affairs Cmte | $93,650 | $91,550 | $2,100 |
| Barnes & Thornburg | $79,109 | $74,609 | $4,500 |
| Elevance Health | $74,295 | $63,295 | $11,000 |
| LHC Group | $60,600 | $55,600 | $5,000 |
| Welsh, Carson et al | $49,410 | $49,410 | $0 |
Amounts shown reflect organization-linked giving; most funds listed here are from individual donors or aligned PACs.
Recent Elections
2016 Margin R +10.0%
2022 Margin R +20.7%