Holcomb nominates attorney Kyle Hupfer to lead Indiana Republican Party

INDIANAPOLIS – Incoming Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb named his pick to replace current state Republican Party Chairman Jeff Cardwell.

Holcomb announced Monday that attorney Kyle Hupfer is his pick. Hupfer is not expected to face opposition when party officials meet in early 2017 for a vote.

Hupfer previously led Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources under former Gov. Mitch Daniels. He currently serves as GOP state committeeman and regional chairman for the 5th congressional district.

He was previously hired by politically connected northwest Indiana GOP official Chuck Williams to help secure a lucrative privatization deal to develop Indiana Dunes State Park in 2015.

Cardwell was Pence’s choice to lead the party. He raised eyebrows this year after the Indianapolis Star reported he used GOP mailing lists to promote a hardware store he owns.