Zach Payne

Zach Payne (born February 24, 1989) is an American politician and businessman who has served in the Indiana House of Representatives from the 66th district since 2020. Payne previously served as a member of the Jeffersonville, Indiana, city council and as the Clark County, Indiana, county recorder.

Early life and education

Payne was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and later moved to Jeffersonville, Indiana. He attended Jeffersonville High School and graduated from New Albany High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Charter Oak State College, an MBA from the University of Southern Indiana, and a Master of Science in Communication from Purdue University

Political career

Jeffersonville City Council

Payne was elected to the Jeffersonville City Council in 2011 at age 22. He won the general election for District 3 with 42.6% of the vote against Independent Eric Hedrick (30.7%) and Democrat Janice Sinkhorn (26.7%). He served from 2012 to 2014.

Clark County Recorder

Payne was elected Clark County Recorder in 2014 and served from 2015 to 2018. He was unopposed in the Republican primary.

Indiana House of Representatives

Payne was elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2020, defeating longtime Democratic incumbent Terry Goodin. He was re-elected in 2022 and 2024. As of 2025, he serves as Vice Chair of the Elections and Apportionment Committee, and is a member of the Education, and Employment, Labor, and Pensions Committees.

Payne is considered one of the most conservative legislators in Indiana, receiving high ratings from organizations such as the Freedom Index and Indiana Scorecard. In 2024, he was endorsed by former Congressman Ron Paul and current Congressman Thomas Massie.

He has sponsored and supported legislation on school choice, income tax cuts, gun rights (including constitutional carry and red flag repeal), immigration enforcement, and government accountability.

Personal life

Payne lives in Charlestown, Indiana, with his wife Callie and their child. He is the founder of a custom print and design business.

Elections

• 2011 Primary election - Payne was unopposed in the Republican Primary for Jeffersonville City Council - District 3.
• 2011 General Election - At 22 years old, Payne was elected with 42.6% of the vote to serve on the Jeffersonville City Council against Independent Eric Hedrick (30.7%) and Democrat Janice Sinkhorn (26.7%).
• 2014 Primary Election - Payne was unopposed in the Republican Primary for Clark County Recorder.
• 2014 General Election - Payne was elected to be the Clark County Recorder with 53.58% of the vote against Democrat Lincoln Crum's 46.42%.