Election 2026: County Council District 2 Candidate Tabatha M. McLain

Continuing with our “Election: 2026” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features District 2* County Council candidate Tabatha M. McLain (R). Leading up to the primaries, we will continue to release candidate interviews in order to keep you informed as you make your way to the ballot box.

Publisher's Note: The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates. Our mission is to provide balanced and informative coverage of local politics so our readers can make their own informed decisions at the ballot box. We aim to give all candidates a fair opportunity to share their views and connect with the community. This Q&A is part of that commitment to open, unbiased political reporting.

*District 2 covers Jackson, Posey, Howard, and Madison Townships, as well as Salem District 2.

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Tabatha M. McLain

• Can you tell us a little about yourself and your personal background?

I am originally from Florida, while my husband was born in Indiana and raised in Perry County before moving to Florida when he was 12 (we became junior high and high school best friends). We are a blended family with six adult children and one grandchild.

Prior to coming to Indiana, I obtained my undergraduate degrees in Paralegal Studies and Legal Studies, as well as a graduate degree in Criminal Justice. We came to Indiana in 2016 after my brother-in-law passed away to bury his ashes in the family cemetery, and I fell in love with the area. In 2020, we decided to buy a house and chose Washington County because it had that “Small Town USA” feeling. Our younger three children were teens at the time, and it looked promising to live in a city while still having a country atmosphere, with a community pool that we were told would reopen and a beautiful park next door with a basketball court. The residents we met were very nice, and Cheddar Depot had amazing food, but we began to see that the community pool would not reopen, and there was very little for teens to do in our county.

In 2021, I started working for the Washington County Department of Child Services and worked there for about two and a half years. After finishing my second master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and Substance Abuse, I worked for a company providing therapy for DCS clients, hoping to make a greater impact. I did this for six months but still felt like I wasn’t making the impact I believed God wanted me to make.

In January 2024, I became the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Executive Director. When children are removed from their homes by DCS, we are appointed by judges to be their voice in court, at meetings, and wherever they need someone to advocate for their best interests. We report our findings to the judges so they can make informed final decisions. I finally felt like I was making a difference. We owned a local glass business in Washington County that unfortunately we closed in 2025.

My husband and I became volunteers with the Special Olympics in Washington County in 2023. I have served on boards and volunteered in this community for many years, including with the Chamber of Commerce, Celebrate Recovery Washington County, Washington County Community Corrections, the Warming Station, and SIAGS (Southern Indiana Guardianship Services), among others.

In 2025, my husband and I opened our home through Blue River Services to house adults with special needs. We have since become a forever family after we obtained guardianship of our person. My husband also earned his degree in Ministry because we have built our family on faith, love, and service to others.

• What motivated you to run for Washington County Council, and what skills or experience do you bring to the role?

I decided to run for County Council not because I want to be a career politician, but because I live in this community and have seen firsthand my taxes and utilities skyrocket in just six years, even as my household size and usage have decreased.

I have also seen citizens, including myself, attend commissioner and council meetings upset about water that smells and tastes like a dirty pond, yet continues to increase in cost. We are losing deputies who protect our community because their pay is not competitive with surrounding counties. Lastly, I am tired of wanting change but not stepping up myself to try to create it.

Change is hard. It is easy for everyone to say we want it, but unless the right people work together to make positive changes in our community, it will never happen.

I am not afraid to listen to all sides and speak up for what benefits the community as a whole, not just a select few, even if it means some people may not like me. I believe we should choose leaders based on integrity and ability, not simply their name, popularity, or the fact that they were born and raised here.

I will fight for open budgeting, clear expectations regarding votes, and real oversight, not rubber stamping. When citizens lose trust in local government, it is time for new leadership focused on honesty, responsibility, and accountability.

• How would you describe the primary responsibilities of the County Council, and why is that role important to county residents?

The County Council is responsible for budgeting/appropriation of the annual budget, setting salaries for county employees and fiscal oversight. Too often, people feel decisions are made behind closed doors, with little explanation and no accountability. That is not acceptable.

I believe in protecting the community from unnecessary tax increases and making sure every dollar spent has a clear purpose. Before raising taxes, we need to ensure the funds currently being used are managed wisely. I support public safety, infrastructure, and essential services. Corruption and waste harm those services the most.

• What are some top issues facing Washington County right now, and how should the County Council address them?

Some of the top issues facing Washington County are wasteful spending, lack of transparency by local government officials, and lack of accountability. These issues lead to unfair employee pay for the work we expect them to do, which creates retention problems and causes citizens to feel that corruption and closed-door deals may be occurring.

Everything should be transparent and open so residents understand where their tax dollars go. If increases are necessary, we must first review the current budget to ensure money is not being wasted elsewhere.

The County Council can address this by speaking up when these issues arise, making thoughtful suggestions for improvement, and ensuring council members work together for the community, not for themselves.

• How do you approach budgeting and spending decisions, especially when resources are limited?

I believe in living within our means and spending money where it is most needed while avoiding waste. Before making major decisions, we should carefully review other areas of spending, obtain multiple bids, and share those bids with the community to demonstrate fairness and transparency. I support local businesses, but we must also ensure the cost aligns with the quality of work being provided.

• How do you plan to stay open and informed about community needs and remain transparent and accessible to constituents if elected?

If elected, it is my responsibility to listen first, communicate openly, and serve with transparency. I will stay informed by regularly attending community events, meetings, school functions, and local organization gatherings to hear directly from residents about their concerns and priorities.

I will provide multiple ways for constituents to reach me, including email, phone, social media, and scheduled office hours. I will also provide consistent updates through social media, newsletters, and public reports to explain council decisions, budget priorities, and upcoming issues in clear, easy-to-understand language.

Transparency means explaining not only what decisions are made, but why. I will welcome feedback, encourage respectful dialogue, and remain accountable to the people I serve.

• What does success look like to you at the end of a four-year term on the Washington County Council?

Success at the end of a four-year term means our community is stronger, more fiscally responsible, and more confident in its local government. It means residents can clearly see progress, feel represented, and know their county government worked responsibly and faithfully on their behalf.

• What do you believe sets you apart from your opponents in this election?

What sets me apart is the fresh energy and perspective I will bring. I am committed to listening to residents, being accessible, and approaching challenges with new ideas while still respecting the values that make Washington County strong.

I am ready to work hard, communicate openly, and focus on practical solutions that move our county forward. I am deeply connected to our community through my work, volunteer service, and relationships with the people who live here every day. I am committed to leading with integrity and putting our community’s needs above politics.

Are there any thoughts you would like to leave with our readers?

I want residents to know that this campaign and this role are about service. Washington County is special because of its people, and I am committed to listening, working hard, and making thoughtful decisions that reflect our shared values.

Together, we can continue building a community that is fiscally responsible, forward-thinking, and a great place for families to live, work, and grow. I would be honored to earn your trust and your vote.