Mike Aylesworth

Michael Jerome Aylesworth is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, representing the 11th district. A member of the Republican Party, Aylesworth has been in office since November 2014. His district encompasses parts of southern Lake and Porter County, where he has a long-standing connection through both his personal and professional life.

Early life and career

Michael Aylesworth was born on March 24, 1943, in Hebron, Indiana. He is a fifth-generation resident of Porter County, with his family roots tracing back to the mid-1840s when his great-great-grandfather settled in Boone Township. This historical connection to the land has shaped Aylesworth's identity and commitment to his community. Growing up on a family farm alongside his seven siblings, Aylesworth attended Hebron Elementary School and graduated from Hebron High School in 1961.

Following high school, Aylesworth pursued higher education, first attending Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana. He later transferred to Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education in 1966. His academic journey continued, culminating in a Master of Arts in liberal studies from Valparaiso University in 1989.

After completing his undergraduate studies, Aylesworth began his professional career as a social studies teacher at Boone Grove High School in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he taught for one year. His career path took a significant turn when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1968. During his service, he specialized in communications, focusing on Morse code and teletype, and was stationed in Korea. Aylesworth achieved the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged in 1973.

Following his military service, Aylesworth returned to Porter County and embarked on a career in agriculture. He established Aylesworth Farms, Inc., leasing multiple small farms for corn and soybean production. In 1973, he purchased 165 acres of his family’s farm, supported by beginner farmer loan guarantees from the Farmers Home Administration. Over the years, Aylesworth expanded his agricultural operations, and by 1998, he managed over 2,400 acres of farmland. He retained ownership of the farm until 2003.

Legislative service

Aylesworth's entry into politics began in 1976 when he was elected to the Porter County Board of Commissioners. He served in this capacity for eight years, from January 1977 to December 1984. During this time, he also held the position of chairman of the Porter County Republican Party for the first two of three nonconsecutive terms from 1982 to 1991. His political career continued as he served one term on the Porter County Council from January 1988 to December 1992.

In 1997, Aylesworth resumed his role as chairman of the Porter County Republican Party, a position he held until 2002. His leadership extended beyond local politics; he was also active in agricultural organizations. He served as president of the Indiana Corn Growers Association from 1997 to 2002 and was involved in the Indiana Corn Marketing Council from its inception in 2001. Additionally, he was appointed to the national policy team of the National Corn Growers Association in 1998, a role he maintained until the end of his presidency with the Indiana Corn Growers Association.

In April 2002, Aylesworth co-founded Iroquois Bio Energy Company, an ethanol production company based in Rensselaer, where he served on the board of directors and was the first president. His expertise in environmental matters led to his appointment as the northern director of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, a position he held under the administrations of Governors Mitch Daniels and Mike Pence from June 2005 until his election to the state legislature in 2014.

Aylesworth's candidacy for the Indiana House of Representatives was prompted by the decision of incumbent Republican representative Rick Niemeyer to run for the Indiana State Senate. Aylesworth declared his candidacy on February 2, 2014, and successfully won the Republican primary against Michael Mears. In the general election held on November 4, 2014, Aylesworth defeated Democrat Jim Metro, securing his position in the statehouse. He was officially sworn into office on November 19, 2014.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Indiana House of Representatives, Aylesworth represents the 11th district, which includes parts of southern Lake and Porter County. His background in agriculture and local governance informs his legislative priorities and policy focus. Aylesworth's experience in the agricultural sector, combined with his previous roles in local government and environmental management, positions him to address issues pertinent to his constituents, particularly those related to farming, land use, and environmental stewardship.

Throughout his tenure, Aylesworth has engaged with various community issues and legislative initiatives that impact the residents of his district. His long-standing ties to the area and understanding of local concerns enable him to advocate effectively for the needs of his constituents. Aylesworth's commitment to public service is reflected in his active participation in legislative discussions and his efforts to represent the interests of the people in his district.

In addition to his legislative responsibilities, Aylesworth maintains a personal life rooted in his community. He resides in Hebron, Indiana, with his wife, Delores Rae Aylesworth, who is a practicing attorney. They have been married since 1971 and have three adult sons and eight grandchildren. Aylesworth is a practicing Roman Catholic and attends St. Mary's Catholic Church in Kouts, Indiana, further emphasizing his connection to the local community and his commitment to public service.