By David Slone
Times-Union
WARSAW — In the first three days of filing for the 2026 primary election, several candidates have submitted their names and paperwork to the Kosciusko County Clerk’s Office.
Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney J. Brad Voelz was among those filing and declared his candidacy for re-election on Friday.
He was elected prosecutor in 2022 after serving as chief deputy for the previous eight years.
In a statement released on Friday, Voelz credited a dedicated staff and experienced, professional trial attorneys for keeping Kosciusko County “a safe and thriving community for everyone.”
So far, only Republicans have filed for the local county, town, and township primary elections for the May primary.
They include Alyssa Jo Schmucker, auditor; Bobbi J. Burkhart, assessor; Deborah A. “Deb” Wright, recorder; Greg Anderson, Plain Township Board; Anthony W. “Tony” Ciriello, county council district 3; Joseph G. Irwin, county council district 2; David A. Wolkins, county council district 4; Craig Charlton, Plain Township trustee; Mark S. Lawson, Tippecanoe Township Board; James M. “Jim” Smith, sheriff; Julia A. Good, Prairie Township trustee; Aime Hoffman, Seward Township trustee; Molly Bradford, Lake Township trustee; and Douglas Ruch, Milford Town Council.
For the 2026 primary state delegates and Democrat precinct committeemen, those who have filed as of Friday, Jan. 9 with the Kosciusko County Clerk’s Office are Scott Clay, state delegate at-large, Republican; Brian Pyle, state delegate at-large, Republican; Kelly Thompson, state delegate at-large and precinct committeewoman Tippecanoe 1, Democrat; and C. Austin Rovenstine, state delegate at-large, Republican.
Filing down at the state for the primary are Sharon K. Wilson, Kosciusko County Republican Convention Delegate, District 3; and Angie Booher, Kosciusko County Republican Convention Delegate, District 4. Donald Guthrie filed for Ward 1, Precinct 2 Democratic Precinct committeeman.
Kelly Thompson, Democrat, also has filed for U.S. 3rd District Representative, the position currently held by Republican Marlin Stutzman.
Incumbent Craig Snow has filed for re-election as District 22’s state representative, while incumbent David H. Abbott filed for re-election as District 18’s state representative.
Candidate filing will ends at noon on Friday, Feb. 6.
To learn more about the county ballot, click here.
To see a list of candidates who have filed, click here.
