Jim Schellinger

Jim Schellinger is the former Secretary of Commerce for the state of Indiana.

Jim Schellinger
Indiana Secretary of Commerce
In office 2017 – March 3, 2021
Governor	Mike Pence
Preceded by	Victor Smith
Succeeded by	Brad Chambers
Personal details
Political party	Democratic
Education	University of Notre Dame

Early life

Schellinger was raised the sixth of eight children in South Bend, Indiana. He attended St. Joseph's High School, where he played for the school's football and baseball teams. He attended the University of Notre Dame, earning a degree in architecture.

2008 campaign

Main article: Indiana gubernatorial election, 2008

On March 19, 2007, he filed his candidacy to run for governor against incumbent Republican Mitch Daniels but lost to fellow Democratic challenger Jill Long Thompson by 13,000 votes - less than 1 percent. When Schellinger joined the race for governor he was the second of three Democratic candidates in the primary race, along with Richard Young and Jill Long Thompson. He is described as a "moderate Democrat." Schellinger had received early endorsements from Congresswoman Julia Carson, Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson, and by the UAW. Schellinger raised $1.2 million during the second financial quarter, but was not able to beat Long Thompson despite her being outspent by a significant margin.