Republicans Archives - News Now Warsaw https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/tag/republicans/ Wed, 06 May 2026 19:35:00 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Wiesehan wins primary against Conley, credits parking garage opposition https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wiesehan-wins-primary-against-conley-credits-parking-garage-opposition/ Wed, 06 May 2026 11:08:47 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=130771 By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Don Wiesehan won his Republican primary race against five-term incumbent Bob Conley for the Kosciusko County Commissioner's Southern District seat in what turned out to be the most anticipated contest in the county. 

Wiesehan claimed nearly 3,000 votes and a 56-percent margin against Conley, who was first elected 19 years ago.

Wiesehan campaigned against the proposed city-county parking garage, which faces a possible vote later this year.

He also pledged to serve no more than two terms in office and has proposed that one of the commissioner's monthly meetings be held at night to make it more accessible to the public. 

“I think the voice of the people really did speak tonight,” Wiesehann said at a Republican gathering at Matt Anthony's in downtown Warsaw after results were finalized.

He said he thinks the parking garage became a defining factor.

"A lot of the people out in the community don't want it,” he said. “I think some of it was how it may have been presented or not presented. I think that has to be educated across the people," he said.

"I still say it's not something that we need to venture out into because there's a lot of stress on our community people now," he said.

Warsaw leaders and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce have been strong proponents of constructing a parking garage, which would be funded in part with $5 million from the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative.

The county has already acquired land for the project north of the Z Hotel.

This year's contest for commissioner marked the second time Wiesehan challenged Conley for the seat.

Four years ago, Wiesehan collected 26% of the vote in a four-way contest in which Conley won 50.5 percent of the vote.

Wiesehan worked for 25 years with the sheriff’s office and now works with Parkview Health, providing security.

Conley owns a barber shop on South Buffalo in Warsaw and has been a reserve officer with the sheriff’s office for some 50 years.

Meanwhile, in another contested county race, incumbent Kimberly Cates won 56% of the vote against challenger Thaddeus Du Bois for the county council District 1 seat.

Du Bois' campaign was complicated a few weeks ago after he announced he plans to soon move out of the district from his home in North Webster to a residence south of Warsaw.

His decision to move was prompted by opposition to a sewer district.

Two Congressional races also came into focus Tuesday.

Jamee Decio will be the Democratic nominee in the general election for Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District by capturing 72 percent of the vote against North Manchester resident Shaun Maeyens.

Kelly Thompson is the primary winner for the Democratic Party in the 3rd District Congressional race. She was unopposed and will face incumbent Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman in the general election

Stutzman won 72 percent of the vote against Jon Kenworthy.

Voter turnout in Kosciusko County for the election was just 12 percent.

Comparatively, the 2022 primary saw a 21 percent turnout.

 

 

The post Wiesehan wins primary against Conley, credits parking garage opposition appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Don Wiesehan won his Republican primary race against five-term incumbent Bob Conley for the Kosciusko County Commissioner’s Southern District seat in what turned out to be the most anticipated contest in the county. 

Wiesehan claimed nearly 3,000 votes and a 56-percent margin against Conley, who was first elected 19 years ago.

Wiesehan campaigned against the proposed city-county parking garage, which faces a possible vote later this year.

He also pledged to serve no more than two terms in office and has proposed that one of the commissioner’s monthly meetings be held at night to make it more accessible to the public. 

“I think the voice of the people really did speak tonight,” Wiesehann said at a Republican gathering at Matt Anthony’s in downtown Warsaw after results were finalized.

He said he thinks the parking garage became a defining factor.

“A lot of the people out in the community don’t want it,” he said. “I think some of it was how it may have been presented or not presented. I think that has to be educated across the people,” he said.

“I still say it’s not something that we need to venture out into because there’s a lot of stress on our community people now,” he said.

Warsaw leaders and the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce have been strong proponents of constructing a parking garage, which would be funded in part with $5 million from the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative.

The county has already acquired land for the project north of the Z Hotel.

This year’s contest for commissioner marked the second time Wiesehan challenged Conley for the seat.

Four years ago, Wiesehan collected 26% of the vote in a four-way contest in which Conley won 50.5 percent of the vote.

Wiesehan worked for 25 years with the sheriff’s office and now works with Parkview Health, providing security.

Conley owns a barber shop on South Buffalo in Warsaw and has been a reserve officer with the sheriff’s office for some 50 years.

Meanwhile, in another contested county race, incumbent Kimberly Cates won 56% of the vote against challenger Thaddeus Du Bois for the county council District 1 seat.

Du Bois’ campaign was complicated a few weeks ago after he announced he plans to soon move out of the district from his home in North Webster to a residence south of Warsaw.

His decision to move was prompted by opposition to a sewer district.

Two Congressional races also came into focus Tuesday.

Jamee Decio will be the Democratic nominee in the general election for Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District by capturing 72 percent of the vote against North Manchester resident Shaun Maeyens.

Kelly Thompson is the primary winner for the Democratic Party in the 3rd District Congressional race. She was unopposed and will face incumbent Republican Congressman Marlin Stutzman in the general election

Stutzman won 72 percent of the vote against Jon Kenworthy.

Voter turnout in Kosciusko County for the election was just 12 percent.

Comparatively, the 2022 primary saw a 21 percent turnout.

 

 

The post Wiesehan wins primary against Conley, credits parking garage opposition appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Untitled-design-2026-05-06T061227.221.png Trump-endorsed challenger to Sen. Travis Holdman ends campaign https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/trump-endorsed-challenger-to-high-ranking-republican-senator-ends-campaign/ Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:32:15 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=127448 By Tom Davies
Indiana Capital Chronicle

The drive for political retribution against Republican state senators who didn’t support Indiana congressional redistricting has taken a blow with a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump ending his campaign.

Trump last month backed Bluffton City Councilman Blake Fiechter’s challenge to high-ranking state Sen. Travis Holdman — even before Fiechter got in the race.

But he cited trouble organizing a campaign ahead of the May 5 primary for the District 19 seat in northeastern Indiana, covering all of Adams, Blackford, Jay and Wells counties and part of Allen County.

“If it had just been a Wells County district, it would have felt much easier,” Fiechter told WANE 15 of Fort Wayne on Friday. “But with it being spread out and not having anyone day-to-day helping me, fending all these calls and making connections. It came down to a lot of those little details just creeping up.”

Fiechter did not return a message Monday from the Capital Chronicle seeking comment. He filed his candidacy last month nearly a week after Trump’s social media endorsement was posted, with the president calling Holdman a “RINO” — for Republican in name only — and “an America Last politician” for opposing the redistricting bill.

Trump’s social media posts have used similar wording in endorsing primary challengers to four other Republican senators who voted against his demand for redistricting aimed at helping the GOP win all nine of Indiana’s U.S. House seats.

Holdman, who has been a senator since 2008, is the Senate’s third-ranking member as majority caucus chair and his chair of the influential Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee.

Marty Obst, an Indiana Republican operative and former Trump campaign staffer who leads the pro-redistricting group Fair Maps Indiana, has said his organization and others would “spend seven figures” in support of the GOP  primary challengers.

Obst did not immediately reply Monday to a message seeking comment about Fiechter’s decision.

Fiechter’s name will still be listed on the primary ballot because the deadline for withdrawing has passed.

WANE reported that Fiechter said he received advice from some Republican leaders, but not enough help with campaign workers and money.

“I felt like I was on a raft alone trying to navigate,” he said.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post Trump-endorsed challenger to Sen. Travis Holdman ends campaign appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Tom Davies
Indiana Capital Chronicle

The drive for political retribution against Republican state senators who didn’t support Indiana congressional redistricting has taken a blow with a candidate endorsed by President Donald Trump ending his campaign.

Trump last month backed Bluffton City Councilman Blake Fiechter’s challenge to high-ranking state Sen. Travis Holdman — even before Fiechter got in the race.

But he cited trouble organizing a campaign ahead of the May 5 primary for the District 19 seat in northeastern Indiana, covering all of Adams, Blackford, Jay and Wells counties and part of Allen County.

“If it had just been a Wells County district, it would have felt much easier,” Fiechter told WANE 15 of Fort Wayne on Friday. “But with it being spread out and not having anyone day-to-day helping me, fending all these calls and making connections. It came down to a lot of those little details just creeping up.”

Fiechter did not return a message Monday from the Capital Chronicle seeking comment. He filed his candidacy last month nearly a week after Trump’s social media endorsement was posted, with the president calling Holdman a “RINO” — for Republican in name only — and “an America Last politician” for opposing the redistricting bill.

Trump’s social media posts have used similar wording in endorsing primary challengers to four other Republican senators who voted against his demand for redistricting aimed at helping the GOP win all nine of Indiana’s U.S. House seats.

Holdman, who has been a senator since 2008, is the Senate’s third-ranking member as majority caucus chair and his chair of the influential Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee.

Marty Obst, an Indiana Republican operative and former Trump campaign staffer who leads the pro-redistricting group Fair Maps Indiana, has said his organization and others would “spend seven figures” in support of the GOP  primary challengers.

Obst did not immediately reply Monday to a message seeking comment about Fiechter’s decision.

Fiechter’s name will still be listed on the primary ballot because the deadline for withdrawing has passed.

WANE reported that Fiechter said he received advice from some Republican leaders, but not enough help with campaign workers and money.

“I felt like I was on a raft alone trying to navigate,” he said.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post Trump-endorsed challenger to Sen. Travis Holdman ends campaign appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Screenshot-2026-02-23-162212.png Republicans revive push to shorten Indiana’s early voting period https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/republicans-revive-push-to-shorten-indianas-early-voting-period/ Tue, 17 Feb 2026 11:29:17 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=127131 By Tom Davies
Indiana Capital Chronicle

Indiana’s early voting period would be cut from 28 days to 16 days in a year-old push revived by Republican state senators.

The proposal for fewer early voting days was added Monday by the Senate Elections Committee through an amendment; no public testimony was allowed.

Committee Chair Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, said the change he proposed would still allow for three weekends of in-person early voting ahead of Election Day.

“A shorter amount of time for early voting will save money and also make it easier to administer the election,” Gaskill said.

Fewer days proposal criticized

Democratic senators and voting-rights advocates berated the proposal as one that would mean longer lines for people wanting to cast their ballots early and hurt Indiana’s already low voter turnout.

Under current law, the early voting period for the May 5 Republican and Democratic primaries is scheduled to begin April 7 (a Tuesday) and end at noon May 4.

The amendment would take effect for this spring’s primary so that the early voting period would start on April 19 (a Sunday).

Of the 1.4 million early ballots cast in the 2024 general election, about 300,000 came during the days proposed for elimination, said Sen. J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis.

“I think this is going to increase those lines and put some really heavy burdens on our (county) clerks,” Ford said. “Essentially, this is going to take away from working-class folks who need that time because they might have an inflexible work schedule or caregiving responsibilities or even transportation issues.”

The early voting change was inserted into Senate Bill 1359, which was focused on rules for when local election officials could scan early voting ballots. The committee voted 7-2 along party lines to advance it to the full Senate.

Gaskill didn’t allow any public testimony on the amendment, saying the committee had heard from the public about shortening the time for early voting when it considered a similar bill last year.

That 2025 proposal called for a 14-day early voting period. It cleared the Senate Elections Committee but was never called for a full Senate vote because it did not have enough support to pass.

Proposal called “sneak attack”

Julia Vaughn, executive director of the voting-rights group Common Cause Indiana, said she was “extremely disappointed that such a major policy change was made with no opportunity for public comment.”

“This is a sneak attack on early voting, and I urge voters to tell their senator to vote no,” Vaughn told the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

The bill cleared the House last month, so if the early voting change wins Senate approval it could become law without any public testimony on the issue during this year’s session.

Gaskill called his proposal for a 16-day early voting period a compromise from last year’s 14-day proposal.

“It did have testimony last year, quite a bit in this committee,” Gaskill said after Monday’s meeting. “So it’s not like we’re bringing a topic out of nowhere that’s never been discussed before. It was vetted quite at length last year.”

Gaskill cited criticism raised by other Republican legislators about Indiana having an “election month rather than an Election Day.” He said the change would shift Indiana from having one of the country’s longest early voting periods to being in the middle range.

“I’m of the opinion that the shorter period is a compromise between folks that do have concerns about election integrity with a longer period of early voting,” Gaskill said. “It still puts us kind of in the middle of the pack of what other states do.”

According to MAP, an independent think tank, 14 states have early voting lasting more than 22 days. Another eight states range between 15-21 days of early voting. Twenty-two states are between 7-14 days.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post Republicans revive push to shorten Indiana’s early voting period appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Tom Davies
Indiana Capital Chronicle

Indiana’s early voting period would be cut from 28 days to 16 days in a year-old push revived by Republican state senators.

The proposal for fewer early voting days was added Monday by the Senate Elections Committee through an amendment; no public testimony was allowed.

Committee Chair Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, said the change he proposed would still allow for three weekends of in-person early voting ahead of Election Day.

“A shorter amount of time for early voting will save money and also make it easier to administer the election,” Gaskill said.

Fewer days proposal criticized

Democratic senators and voting-rights advocates berated the proposal as one that would mean longer lines for people wanting to cast their ballots early and hurt Indiana’s already low voter turnout.

Under current law, the early voting period for the May 5 Republican and Democratic primaries is scheduled to begin April 7 (a Tuesday) and end at noon May 4.

The amendment would take effect for this spring’s primary so that the early voting period would start on April 19 (a Sunday).

Of the 1.4 million early ballots cast in the 2024 general election, about 300,000 came during the days proposed for elimination, said Sen. J.D. Ford, D-Indianapolis.

“I think this is going to increase those lines and put some really heavy burdens on our (county) clerks,” Ford said. “Essentially, this is going to take away from working-class folks who need that time because they might have an inflexible work schedule or caregiving responsibilities or even transportation issues.”

The early voting change was inserted into Senate Bill 1359, which was focused on rules for when local election officials could scan early voting ballots. The committee voted 7-2 along party lines to advance it to the full Senate.

Gaskill didn’t allow any public testimony on the amendment, saying the committee had heard from the public about shortening the time for early voting when it considered a similar bill last year.

That 2025 proposal called for a 14-day early voting period. It cleared the Senate Elections Committee but was never called for a full Senate vote because it did not have enough support to pass.

Proposal called “sneak attack”

Julia Vaughn, executive director of the voting-rights group Common Cause Indiana, said she was “extremely disappointed that such a major policy change was made with no opportunity for public comment.”

“This is a sneak attack on early voting, and I urge voters to tell their senator to vote no,” Vaughn told the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

The bill cleared the House last month, so if the early voting change wins Senate approval it could become law without any public testimony on the issue during this year’s session.

Gaskill called his proposal for a 16-day early voting period a compromise from last year’s 14-day proposal.

“It did have testimony last year, quite a bit in this committee,” Gaskill said after Monday’s meeting. “So it’s not like we’re bringing a topic out of nowhere that’s never been discussed before. It was vetted quite at length last year.”

Gaskill cited criticism raised by other Republican legislators about Indiana having an “election month rather than an Election Day.” He said the change would shift Indiana from having one of the country’s longest early voting periods to being in the middle range.

“I’m of the opinion that the shorter period is a compromise between folks that do have concerns about election integrity with a longer period of early voting,” Gaskill said. “It still puts us kind of in the middle of the pack of what other states do.”

According to MAP, an independent think tank, 14 states have early voting lasting more than 22 days. Another eight states range between 15-21 days of early voting. Twenty-two states are between 7-14 days.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post Republicans revive push to shorten Indiana’s early voting period appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-16.png Stockdale wins Kosciusko County Council seat over five challengers https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/stockdale-wins-kosciusko-county-council-seat-over-five-challengers/ Wed, 11 Feb 2026 13:20:58 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=126843 By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — A 32-year-old elder law attorney, Will Stockdale, was selected by a GOP caucus to fill an at-large Kosciusko County seat Tuesday night.

Stockdale topped Kyle Tom in the final round of voting in a contest that started with a field of six.

[caption id="attachment_126846" align="alignright" width="420"] The six candidates huddled together during the votes. From left, Will Stockdale, Travis Trump, Thaddeus Du Bois, Chris Bammerlin, Rob Parker, and Kyle Tom. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

Stockdale said he entered the caucus with a bit of confidence after talking with many precinct committee members, including some who had urged him to file for the seat.

He said they outlined what they expected.

"They wanted somebody who is hard working, diligent, somebody who puts the work in, doesn't come to meetings unprepared, always comes to meetings, and I'm looking forward to working hard for the betterment of this county," Stockdale said after the vote.

He used part of his three minutes to talk about priorities and also his assessment of looming budget constraints as a result of property tax reforms.

"It was all from the heart. I had notes prepared. I didn't look at them once," he said. "That three minutes (allowed under rules) is faster than you would ever believe."

He introduced himself as a Christian, a US Army veteran, and a lifelong "Kosciusko County conservative."

His top priorities, he said, would involve supporting the basic tenants of county government — public safety, infrastructure and other statutorily mandated functions. But he also said he would support county employees so they don’t have to work night shifts, second jobs, and moonlight "to make ends meet."

On top of that, he also said he wants to leave some room for investing in the long-term financial security of the county.

Other candidates were Travis Trump, Rob Parker, Chris Bammerlin, and Thaddeus Du Bois.

The winner had to collect a majority of the votes from the 59 voting participants, and that was eventually achieved after the thinning of the field by removing the lowest vote-getter in each of the following four ballots.

Stockdale was the first to file and said that underscored his desire for the job.

He sounded eager to get to work, which begins Thursday when the county council convenes for its regular monthly meeting.

"Obviously, there is going to be a learning curve, but I'm looking forward to putting in the work necessary to be a great county councilman," he said.

The post Stockdale wins Kosciusko County Council seat over five challengers appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — A 32-year-old elder law attorney, Will Stockdale, was selected by a GOP caucus to fill an at-large Kosciusko County seat Tuesday night.

Stockdale topped Kyle Tom in the final round of voting in a contest that started with a field of six.

The six candidates huddled together during the votes. From left, Will Stockdale, Travis Trump, Thaddeus Du Bois, Chris Bammerlin, Rob Parker, and Kyle Tom. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.

Stockdale said he entered the caucus with a bit of confidence after talking with many precinct committee members, including some who had urged him to file for the seat.

He said they outlined what they expected.

“They wanted somebody who is hard working, diligent, somebody who puts the work in, doesn’t come to meetings unprepared, always comes to meetings, and I’m looking forward to working hard for the betterment of this county,” Stockdale said after the vote.

He used part of his three minutes to talk about priorities and also his assessment of looming budget constraints as a result of property tax reforms.

“It was all from the heart. I had notes prepared. I didn’t look at them once,” he said. “That three minutes (allowed under rules) is faster than you would ever believe.”

He introduced himself as a Christian, a US Army veteran, and a lifelong “Kosciusko County conservative.”

His top priorities, he said, would involve supporting the basic tenants of county government — public safety, infrastructure and other statutorily mandated functions. But he also said he would support county employees so they don’t have to work night shifts, second jobs, and moonlight “to make ends meet.”

On top of that, he also said he wants to leave some room for investing in the long-term financial security of the county.

Other candidates were Travis Trump, Rob Parker, Chris Bammerlin, and Thaddeus Du Bois.

The winner had to collect a majority of the votes from the 59 voting participants, and that was eventually achieved after the thinning of the field by removing the lowest vote-getter in each of the following four ballots.

Stockdale was the first to file and said that underscored his desire for the job.

He sounded eager to get to work, which begins Thursday when the county council convenes for its regular monthly meeting.

“Obviously, there is going to be a learning curve, but I’m looking forward to putting in the work necessary to be a great county councilman,” he said.

The post Stockdale wins Kosciusko County Council seat over five challengers appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Untitled-design-6-1.png Newcomer John Barrett selected over Brad Jackson for Kosciusko County Council seat https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/newcomer-john-barrett-selected-over-brad-jackson-for-kosciusko-county-council-seat/ Wed, 07 Jan 2026 10:57:21 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=125086 By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Rarely does Kosciusko County politics provide upsets and surprises, but that was the case Tuesday night when Republicans chose John Barrett over Brad Jackson to fill a vacancy on county council.

Fifty-six precinct committee members cast secret ballots, and a majority chose Barrett, a political newcomer who waited until just a few days before the deadline to seek the seat.

He and Jackson both said they found the outcome a bit surprising, and Barrett said he thinks the county is "ready for a new voice."

In a brief acceptance speech afterward, Barrett thanked everyone for their support.

You know, one of the great things about these caucuses is you get to decide, and tonight a decision was made, and I'm ready to hit the ground running," Barrett said.

He was also quick to recognize Jackson’s 28-year legacy as a former county commissioner.

“We all know Mr. Jackson. He’s a gentleman, plain and simple. He’s done an awful lot of work for this county over the years, and I think we should all give him quite a hand,” Barrett said as the crowd responded with strong applause.

Jackson, who originally planned to run for District One in the upcoming election, changed gears after the unexpected resignation of at-large councilwoman Delynn Geiger and quickly chose to participate in the caucus.

Reporters asked Jackson afterward if he would revert back to his original plan and run for the seat currently held by Kimberly Cates.

“I’m going to think for a little bit,” Jackson said.

Cates has yet to announce whether she will seek re-election.

Election filing begins Wednesday.

Barrett will fill out the remaining three years in Geiger's term.

Council's first meeting of the year is on Thursday night.

[caption id="attachment_125092" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Kosciusko County Republican Chair Mike Ragan, left, addresses GOP precinct committee members Tuesday night before the caucus vote. Further to the right are the two candidates, Brad Jackson and John Barrett. Ragan later announced Barrett was the winner. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

 

 

The post Newcomer John Barrett selected over Brad Jackson for Kosciusko County Council seat appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Rarely does Kosciusko County politics provide upsets and surprises, but that was the case Tuesday night when Republicans chose John Barrett over Brad Jackson to fill a vacancy on county council.

Fifty-six precinct committee members cast secret ballots, and a majority chose Barrett, a political newcomer who waited until just a few days before the deadline to seek the seat.

He and Jackson both said they found the outcome a bit surprising, and Barrett said he thinks the county is “ready for a new voice.”

In a brief acceptance speech afterward, Barrett thanked everyone for their support.

You know, one of the great things about these caucuses is you get to decide, and tonight a decision was made, and I’m ready to hit the ground running,” Barrett said.

He was also quick to recognize Jackson’s 28-year legacy as a former county commissioner.

“We all know Mr. Jackson. He’s a gentleman, plain and simple. He’s done an awful lot of work for this county over the years, and I think we should all give him quite a hand,” Barrett said as the crowd responded with strong applause.

Jackson, who originally planned to run for District One in the upcoming election, changed gears after the unexpected resignation of at-large councilwoman Delynn Geiger and quickly chose to participate in the caucus.

Reporters asked Jackson afterward if he would revert back to his original plan and run for the seat currently held by Kimberly Cates.

“I’m going to think for a little bit,” Jackson said.

Cates has yet to announce whether she will seek re-election.

Election filing begins Wednesday.

Barrett will fill out the remaining three years in Geiger’s term.

Council’s first meeting of the year is on Thursday night.

Kosciusko County Republican Chair Mike Ragan, left, addresses GOP precinct committee members Tuesday night before the caucus vote. Further to the right are the two candidates, Brad Jackson and John Barrett. Ragan later announced Barrett was the winner. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.

 

 

The post Newcomer John Barrett selected over Brad Jackson for Kosciusko County Council seat appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Untitled-design-2026-01-07T043200.269.png Top ten statewide stories of 2025 from Indiana Capital Chronicle https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/top-ten-statewide-stories-of-2025-from-indiana-capital-chronicle/ Mon, 29 Dec 2025 14:45:34 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=124671 By Leslie Bonilla Muniz.
Indiana Capital Chronicle

Your four-person Indiana Capital Chronicle team brought you a whopping 600 original stories during a busy year that featured a lively Statehouse and our first-ever staffing change.

We delivered play-by-plays of major legislative issues, from a mapping miss to budgetary brawls. We monitored top elected officials — misconduct included — and critical social services.

Before this year’s chapter in our story comes to a close, revisit your favorite and most important articles with us.

1. Map push dies

The Indiana Senate this month defied the wishes of President Donald Trump — despite a protracted national pressure campaign — when lawmakers there rejected a mid-census redraw of the state’s congressional maps.

The proposed maps were explicitly designed to bolster the GOP’s hold on the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections.

Trump kicked off the redistricting arms race in July, when he directed Texas to create five more GOP seats.

We began tracking the initiative: Vice President JD Vance’s visits to Indianapolis, Hoosier Republicans’ travel to the U.S. Capitol, closed-door caucuses and more.

The team logged gradual changes in Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s stance as his wait-and-see approach shifted toward a special session dedicated to the redistricting effort.

And we covered lawmakers’ will-they-or-won’t-they decision on reconvening, which culminated in an early start to the 2026 session. The whole team — including new Deputy Editor Tom Davies — pitched in to analyze the proposed maps, man lengthy public hearings and probably irritate reticent lawmakers in our efforts to bring you the latest.

The Senate’s 31-19 defeat of the maps means the idea can’t be reconsidered until the 2027 session. Now, we’re following the short– and long-term political fallout.

2. Sheriff scrutiny

ICC’s mission, to fill in gaps in state-level coverage, sometimes takes us beyond the Government Center campus in Indianapolis.

Senior Reporter Casey Smith tackled the complicated story of a state investigation into a county sheriff’s alleged wrongdoing, finding that the only person disciplined was the detective who pursued the case.

And she followed up, reporting that a state law enforcement board is considering whether Dubois County Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter — who is accused of mishandling jail commissary funds and more — should be stripped of his police credentials.

Smith also kept tabs on a series she began last year on wrongdoing by former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, which prompted greater state oversight of jail commissary funds.

She catalogued the court-sanctioned sales of Noel’s misbegotten property — complete with pictures of his auctioned luxury cars and self-branded merchandise — as the disgraced man begins making good on restitution orders.

3. Economic development sunlight

Just before she went back east, landing at a sister outlet in Pennsylvania, former ICC Senior Reporter Whitney Downard wrapped up a contentious chapter for the state’s embattled economic development authority.

Over the spring, Braun’s administration launched a forensic analysis into spending by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and its relationship with several partners. Downard broke down the substantial report, released in the fall, and reaction to it.

The results prompted a spate of accountability-oriented changes. IEDC’s board has revamped its conflict-of-interest policies, with screened members exiting the room for certain projects, and investment policies. Only the full board makes binding votes now. And the quasi-public agency’s nonprofit arm is going to “wind down,” officials have said, although that hasn’t been completed.

Braun wants to move on from damage control. IEDC is revving up a renewed focus on regional development.

4. Indiana governor’s first year

It was a tumultuous first year in office for Braun, who was inaugurated mid-January — after the General Assembly reconvened for legislative business.

Amid slower revenue growth, he led the push to slash state spending, signing the state’s latest biennial budget into law in April.

But he spent much of his political capital on a property tax relief plan that lawmakers weakened and subsumed into a behemoth local government finance law. Revisions are expected this session.

Despite mixed results on his property tax agenda and defeat on redistricting, Braun said year one still featured plenty of wins, during a sit-down interview with Reporter Leslie Bonilla Muñiz.

He highlighted the remake of IEDC and the commission that regulates utility services; the cuts to agency spending and a leadership reorganization; and boosts to education and public safety.

5. Your mileage may vary

Braun’s ascension to the Governor’s Residence in Indianapolis also sparked scrutiny on upgrades made to his family home in southwestern Indiana and frequent travel between the two.

Downard broke the news of the state’s plans to spend at least $118,000 on security improvements to the house in Jasper. The work included a gravel helipad, fencing, gates and a trailer for a round-the-clock security detail staffed by Indiana State Police.

Braun is the first governor in recent decades to reside outside of central Indiana while in office. Former Govs. Eric Holcomb and Mike Pence made the Indianapolis estate their primary residence, while former Gov. Mitch Daniels split his time between that building and his home in Carmel.

Jasper and Indianapolis are located more than two hours apart by car — or, just 45 minutes by helicopter.

Downard also reported Braun took 11 helicopter rides to and from his Jasper home over about six months, costing almost $24,000. The state said that it would have incurred those costs regardless, because Indiana State Police pilots needed the flight hours to satisfy federal license maintenance requirements.

6. License plates boost budgets

That metal plate fastened to your vehicle can bring in big bucks for nonprofit groups and the state.

Bonilla Muñiz found Hoosiers pumped almost $200 million into charitable causes over two decades — just by buying and renewing special group recognition license plates.

But recently toughened sales and signature requirements may force organizations out of the program and block prospective participants from joining.

Seen those all-black plates on the road? Smith got a preview of the “blackout” designs, which have already generated millions of dollars for the state.

7. Former administration leader disciplined

Smith has also been on top of wrongdoing by one-time Public Safety Secretary Jennifer-Ruth Green, who resigned in September, repeatedly breaking news along the way.

The Indiana State Ethics Commission this month approved a settlement featuring a $10,000 civil fine for Green, finding she violated political activity and misuse of state property rules.

That approval closed the ethics case against Green, but potential criminal charges remain under review by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Smith reported.

Smith and ICC Editor Niki Kelly were the first to report on a remediation document revealing Green was the subject of a state inspector general probe prior to her abrupt departure.

She’s still running for Congress again, though. Her campaign has called the investigation a “politically motivated sham.”

8. Social service cuts

The spending cuts undertaken after the lackluster springtime revenue forecast are hitting social services for impoverished Hoosiers, ICC reporting shows.

Indiana enrollment in Medicaid, the low-income health care program, has dropped by about 300,000 people throughout the year, totaling 1.7 million in November, according to the latest forecast, delivered this month. The dip comes as officials continue aggressive post-pandemic eligibility checks.

Lawmakers have also approved cost-controlling work mandates for the Healthy Indiana Plan, a Medicaid-expansion health insurance program for 700,000 low- to moderate-income Hoosiers. But it won’t take effect until 2027, when a federal law imposes such requirements on expansion enrollees nationwide.

And there are big changes coming for providers serving the 8,000 children who receive autism therapy through Medicaid. The state plans to reduce its hourly rate 10% and is considering other cost-cutting strategies for the fast-growing program.

Families who need help paying for child care have also struggled, as a state freeze on vouchers enters its second year. It’s creating enrollment crunches for providers, also hard-hit by the state’s significantly lower reimbursement rates.

Indiana additionally opted out of a summer meal program for hungry low-income schoolchildren. Downard broke that story, then followed up, reporting that a key agency and Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith blamed the miss on poor planning by Holcomb’s outgoing administration.

9. Educational changes

Indiana schools saw mixed results this year.

Third-graders produced a historic jump in reading scores, but about 3,000 were held back for not meeting literacy proficiency standards.

Fewer students are missing large chunks of school, but chronic absenteeism rates still remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Smith, ICC’s education guru, broke down what a recent absenteeism law does.

Indiana has asked the U.S. Department of Education for permission to combine funding from 15-plus federal programs into one block grant, overhauling how the state spends and tracks billions in education aid.

Public higher educational institutions, meanwhile, reported enrollment gains but a lower college-going rate. They also axed or restructured hundreds of degree programs under a recent state law, and recorded millions of dollars in canceled federal research grants.

10. Two more executions

Indiana ended its 15-year execution pause last year after securing a new lethal drug. This year, the state put two more men to death.

Roy Lee Ward was executed in October for the 2001 rape and murder of teenager Stacy Payne. Benjamin Ritchie was executed in May, nearly 25 years after he killed Beech Grove law enforcement officer William Toney.

Details on both were sparse; no reporters were permitted to witness.

Braun confirmed over the summer that Indiana spent more than $1 million on execution drugs. Three doses were purchased for $900,000 under Holcomb’s administration. Only one was utilized; the other two doses expired without use. Braun’s administration spent $275,000 on a fourth dose, used for Ritchie’s execution.

But his office has refused to disclose exactly how much the state paid for the latest three sets of lethal injection drugs purchased by the Department of Correction in recent months. At least one of those doses was expected to be used for Ward’s execution. The remaining sets expired at the end of October, according to court documents.

Five men remain on Indiana’s death row, but only four are currently considered competent for execution. No new inmates have been added since 2013, and capital prosecutions remain rare and costly.

Smith reports lawmakers are exploring other execution methods in new legislation. Braun told ICC he’ll “look at” whatever “comes up,” but said such measures “don’t rise to the level of” kitchen-table issues.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post Top ten statewide stories of 2025 from Indiana Capital Chronicle appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> By Leslie Bonilla Muniz.
Indiana Capital Chronicle

Your four-person Indiana Capital Chronicle team brought you a whopping 600 original stories during a busy year that featured a lively Statehouse and our first-ever staffing change.

We delivered play-by-plays of major legislative issues, from a mapping miss to budgetary brawls. We monitored top elected officials — misconduct included — and critical social services.

Before this year’s chapter in our story comes to a close, revisit your favorite and most important articles with us.

1. Map push dies

The Indiana Senate this month defied the wishes of President Donald Trump — despite a protracted national pressure campaign — when lawmakers there rejected a mid-census redraw of the state’s congressional maps.

The proposed maps were explicitly designed to bolster the GOP’s hold on the U.S. House in the 2026 midterm elections.

Trump kicked off the redistricting arms race in July, when he directed Texas to create five more GOP seats.

We began tracking the initiative: Vice President JD Vance’s visits to Indianapolis, Hoosier Republicans’ travel to the U.S. Capitol, closed-door caucuses and more.

The team logged gradual changes in Indiana Gov. Mike Braun’s stance as his wait-and-see approach shifted toward a special session dedicated to the redistricting effort.

And we covered lawmakers’ will-they-or-won’t-they decision on reconvening, which culminated in an early start to the 2026 session. The whole team — including new Deputy Editor Tom Davies — pitched in to analyze the proposed maps, man lengthy public hearings and probably irritate reticent lawmakers in our efforts to bring you the latest.

The Senate’s 31-19 defeat of the maps means the idea can’t be reconsidered until the 2027 session. Now, we’re following the short– and long-term political fallout.

2. Sheriff scrutiny

ICC’s mission, to fill in gaps in state-level coverage, sometimes takes us beyond the Government Center campus in Indianapolis.

Senior Reporter Casey Smith tackled the complicated story of a state investigation into a county sheriff’s alleged wrongdoing, finding that the only person disciplined was the detective who pursued the case.

And she followed up, reporting that a state law enforcement board is considering whether Dubois County Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter — who is accused of mishandling jail commissary funds and more — should be stripped of his police credentials.

Smith also kept tabs on a series she began last year on wrongdoing by former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel, which prompted greater state oversight of jail commissary funds.

She catalogued the court-sanctioned sales of Noel’s misbegotten property — complete with pictures of his auctioned luxury cars and self-branded merchandise — as the disgraced man begins making good on restitution orders.

3. Economic development sunlight

Just before she went back east, landing at a sister outlet in Pennsylvania, former ICC Senior Reporter Whitney Downard wrapped up a contentious chapter for the state’s embattled economic development authority.

Over the spring, Braun’s administration launched a forensic analysis into spending by the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and its relationship with several partners. Downard broke down the substantial report, released in the fall, and reaction to it.

The results prompted a spate of accountability-oriented changes. IEDC’s board has revamped its conflict-of-interest policies, with screened members exiting the room for certain projects, and investment policies. Only the full board makes binding votes now. And the quasi-public agency’s nonprofit arm is going to “wind down,” officials have said, although that hasn’t been completed.

Braun wants to move on from damage control. IEDC is revving up a renewed focus on regional development.

4. Indiana governor’s first year

It was a tumultuous first year in office for Braun, who was inaugurated mid-January — after the General Assembly reconvened for legislative business.

Amid slower revenue growth, he led the push to slash state spending, signing the state’s latest biennial budget into law in April.

But he spent much of his political capital on a property tax relief plan that lawmakers weakened and subsumed into a behemoth local government finance law. Revisions are expected this session.

Despite mixed results on his property tax agenda and defeat on redistricting, Braun said year one still featured plenty of wins, during a sit-down interview with Reporter Leslie Bonilla Muñiz.

He highlighted the remake of IEDC and the commission that regulates utility services; the cuts to agency spending and a leadership reorganization; and boosts to education and public safety.

5. Your mileage may vary

Braun’s ascension to the Governor’s Residence in Indianapolis also sparked scrutiny on upgrades made to his family home in southwestern Indiana and frequent travel between the two.

Downard broke the news of the state’s plans to spend at least $118,000 on security improvements to the house in Jasper. The work included a gravel helipad, fencing, gates and a trailer for a round-the-clock security detail staffed by Indiana State Police.

Braun is the first governor in recent decades to reside outside of central Indiana while in office. Former Govs. Eric Holcomb and Mike Pence made the Indianapolis estate their primary residence, while former Gov. Mitch Daniels split his time between that building and his home in Carmel.

Jasper and Indianapolis are located more than two hours apart by car — or, just 45 minutes by helicopter.

Downard also reported Braun took 11 helicopter rides to and from his Jasper home over about six months, costing almost $24,000. The state said that it would have incurred those costs regardless, because Indiana State Police pilots needed the flight hours to satisfy federal license maintenance requirements.

6. License plates boost budgets

That metal plate fastened to your vehicle can bring in big bucks for nonprofit groups and the state.

Bonilla Muñiz found Hoosiers pumped almost $200 million into charitable causes over two decades — just by buying and renewing special group recognition license plates.

But recently toughened sales and signature requirements may force organizations out of the program and block prospective participants from joining.

Seen those all-black plates on the road? Smith got a preview of the “blackout” designs, which have already generated millions of dollars for the state.

7. Former administration leader disciplined

Smith has also been on top of wrongdoing by one-time Public Safety Secretary Jennifer-Ruth Green, who resigned in September, repeatedly breaking news along the way.

The Indiana State Ethics Commission this month approved a settlement featuring a $10,000 civil fine for Green, finding she violated political activity and misuse of state property rules.

That approval closed the ethics case against Green, but potential criminal charges remain under review by the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, Smith reported.

Smith and ICC Editor Niki Kelly were the first to report on a remediation document revealing Green was the subject of a state inspector general probe prior to her abrupt departure.

She’s still running for Congress again, though. Her campaign has called the investigation a “politically motivated sham.”

8. Social service cuts

The spending cuts undertaken after the lackluster springtime revenue forecast are hitting social services for impoverished Hoosiers, ICC reporting shows.

Indiana enrollment in Medicaid, the low-income health care program, has dropped by about 300,000 people throughout the year, totaling 1.7 million in November, according to the latest forecast, delivered this month. The dip comes as officials continue aggressive post-pandemic eligibility checks.

Lawmakers have also approved cost-controlling work mandates for the Healthy Indiana Plan, a Medicaid-expansion health insurance program for 700,000 low- to moderate-income Hoosiers. But it won’t take effect until 2027, when a federal law imposes such requirements on expansion enrollees nationwide.

And there are big changes coming for providers serving the 8,000 children who receive autism therapy through Medicaid. The state plans to reduce its hourly rate 10% and is considering other cost-cutting strategies for the fast-growing program.

Families who need help paying for child care have also struggled, as a state freeze on vouchers enters its second year. It’s creating enrollment crunches for providers, also hard-hit by the state’s significantly lower reimbursement rates.

Indiana additionally opted out of a summer meal program for hungry low-income schoolchildren. Downard broke that story, then followed up, reporting that a key agency and Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith blamed the miss on poor planning by Holcomb’s outgoing administration.

9. Educational changes

Indiana schools saw mixed results this year.

Third-graders produced a historic jump in reading scores, but about 3,000 were held back for not meeting literacy proficiency standards.

Fewer students are missing large chunks of school, but chronic absenteeism rates still remain well above pre-pandemic levels. Smith, ICC’s education guru, broke down what a recent absenteeism law does.

Indiana has asked the U.S. Department of Education for permission to combine funding from 15-plus federal programs into one block grant, overhauling how the state spends and tracks billions in education aid.

Public higher educational institutions, meanwhile, reported enrollment gains but a lower college-going rate. They also axed or restructured hundreds of degree programs under a recent state law, and recorded millions of dollars in canceled federal research grants.

10. Two more executions

Indiana ended its 15-year execution pause last year after securing a new lethal drug. This year, the state put two more men to death.

Roy Lee Ward was executed in October for the 2001 rape and murder of teenager Stacy Payne. Benjamin Ritchie was executed in May, nearly 25 years after he killed Beech Grove law enforcement officer William Toney.

Details on both were sparse; no reporters were permitted to witness.

Braun confirmed over the summer that Indiana spent more than $1 million on execution drugs. Three doses were purchased for $900,000 under Holcomb’s administration. Only one was utilized; the other two doses expired without use. Braun’s administration spent $275,000 on a fourth dose, used for Ritchie’s execution.

But his office has refused to disclose exactly how much the state paid for the latest three sets of lethal injection drugs purchased by the Department of Correction in recent months. At least one of those doses was expected to be used for Ward’s execution. The remaining sets expired at the end of October, according to court documents.

Five men remain on Indiana’s death row, but only four are currently considered competent for execution. No new inmates have been added since 2013, and capital prosecutions remain rare and costly.

Smith reports lawmakers are exploring other execution methods in new legislation. Braun told ICC he’ll “look at” whatever “comes up,” but said such measures “don’t rise to the level of” kitchen-table issues.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post Top ten statewide stories of 2025 from Indiana Capital Chronicle appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Untitled-design-2025-12-29T091349.261-1.png Senate Republicans reject Trump’s plea for gerrymandered maps https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/senate-republicans-reject-trumps-plea-for-gerrymandered-maps/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 22:08:22 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=124029
By Tom Davies and Casey Smith
Indiana Capital Chronicle

The Republican-dominated Indiana Senate voted 19-31 on Thursday against redrawing the state’s congressional districts — spurning months of demands from President Donald Trump.

The final outcome remained uncertain until 21 Republicans joined all 10 Democratic senators in rejecting the redistricting plan.

With that tally, Indiana became the first Republican-led state Legislature to vote down Trump’s wish to squeeze out more GOP-friendly congressional seats in hopes of improving the party’s chances of keeping its slim U.S. House majority after the 2026 midterm elections.

The Indiana House last week approved the new maps crafted by the National Republican Redistricting Trust to produce a 9-0 Republican delegation. It did so by carving up the two districts currently held by Democratic Reps. André Carson in Indianapolis and Frank Mrvan in the area along Lake Michigan near Chicago.

But the Senate’s Republican leader, President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, has said repeatedly that too few GOP senators supported the mid-decade redistricting for it to pass.

Thursday’s Senate outcome came even with Trump, Gov. Mike Braun and other redistricting supporters continuing to cajole — and politically threaten — Bray and other senators who opposed the move.

Trump was calling individual senators this week seeking support and took to social media Wednesday night to seethe over Bray and other Indiana Republicans who weren’t following his demands.

“Unfortunately, Indiana Senate ‘Leader’ Rod Bray enjoys being the only person in the United States of America who is against Republicans picking up extra seats, in Indiana’s case, two of them,” Trump’s post said. “He is putting every ounce of his limited strength into asking his soon to be very vulnerable friends to vote with him.”

Indiana House Republicans pushed the proposed maps through that chamber last week by a 57-41 margin, with 12 GOP members joining Democrats in voting “no.”

Several Republican senators against the redistricting plan cited what they described as overwhelming public opposition. Others said they didn’t believe it was proper to overhaul the Republican-drawn maps approved in 2021 for such blatant political purposes, with some objecting to the overt gerrymandering of Indianapolis among four districts spanning as far away as the Ohio River.

Trump started the national redistricting fight by pushing Texas Republicans to redraw its congressional map this summer, followed by Republican redistricting moves in Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina. An attempt by Kansas Republicans for a special session on redistricting stalled this fall.

Democrats responded with their own redistricting in California and possible moves in Illinois and Virginia.

Trump’s Wednesday night post appeared to foreshadow the outcome of the Indiana Senate vote.

“Rod Bray and his friends won’t be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again,” the post said. “One of my favorite States, Indiana, will be the only State in the Union to turn the Republican Party down!”

Bray isn’t up for election until 2028.

This story will be updated.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post Senate Republicans reject Trump’s plea for gerrymandered maps appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]>
By Tom Davies and Casey Smith
Indiana Capital Chronicle

The Republican-dominated Indiana Senate voted 19-31 on Thursday against redrawing the state’s congressional districts — spurning months of demands from President Donald Trump.

The final outcome remained uncertain until 21 Republicans joined all 10 Democratic senators in rejecting the redistricting plan.

With that tally, Indiana became the first Republican-led state Legislature to vote down Trump’s wish to squeeze out more GOP-friendly congressional seats in hopes of improving the party’s chances of keeping its slim U.S. House majority after the 2026 midterm elections.

The Indiana House last week approved the new maps crafted by the National Republican Redistricting Trust to produce a 9-0 Republican delegation. It did so by carving up the two districts currently held by Democratic Reps. André Carson in Indianapolis and Frank Mrvan in the area along Lake Michigan near Chicago.

But the Senate’s Republican leader, President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, has said repeatedly that too few GOP senators supported the mid-decade redistricting for it to pass.

Thursday’s Senate outcome came even with Trump, Gov. Mike Braun and other redistricting supporters continuing to cajole — and politically threaten — Bray and other senators who opposed the move.

Trump was calling individual senators this week seeking support and took to social media Wednesday night to seethe over Bray and other Indiana Republicans who weren’t following his demands.

“Unfortunately, Indiana Senate ‘Leader’ Rod Bray enjoys being the only person in the United States of America who is against Republicans picking up extra seats, in Indiana’s case, two of them,” Trump’s post said. “He is putting every ounce of his limited strength into asking his soon to be very vulnerable friends to vote with him.”

Indiana House Republicans pushed the proposed maps through that chamber last week by a 57-41 margin, with 12 GOP members joining Democrats in voting “no.”

Several Republican senators against the redistricting plan cited what they described as overwhelming public opposition. Others said they didn’t believe it was proper to overhaul the Republican-drawn maps approved in 2021 for such blatant political purposes, with some objecting to the overt gerrymandering of Indianapolis among four districts spanning as far away as the Ohio River.

Trump started the national redistricting fight by pushing Texas Republicans to redraw its congressional map this summer, followed by Republican redistricting moves in Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina. An attempt by Kansas Republicans for a special session on redistricting stalled this fall.

Democrats responded with their own redistricting in California and possible moves in Illinois and Virginia.

Trump’s Wednesday night post appeared to foreshadow the outcome of the Indiana Senate vote.

“Rod Bray and his friends won’t be in Politics for long, and I will do everything within my power to make sure that they will not hurt the Republican Party, and our Country, again,” the post said. “One of my favorite States, Indiana, will be the only State in the Union to turn the Republican Party down!”

Bray isn’t up for election until 2028.

This story will be updated.

* * *

The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

The post Senate Republicans reject Trump’s plea for gerrymandered maps appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-11-170106.png As Indiana Senate begins redistricting work, some Republicans keep mum https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/as-indiana-senate-begins-redistricting-work-some-republicans-keep-mum/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:43:12 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=123954
By Leslie Bonilla Muniz
and Casey Smith
Indiana Capital Chronicle

About a quarter of Indiana Republican senators have not yet said how they’ll vote on a sweeping partisan redraw of the state’s congressional maps, teeing up an uncertain week for the proposal’s future.

The Senate will reconvene Monday afternoon to begin consideration of House Bill 1032, after reversing an earlier decision not to meet.

The redesign would likely eliminate Indiana’s two Democratic-held congressional districts to create a 9-0 Republican map ahead of the 2026 midterm election, as sought by President Donald Trump.

The House approved the redistricting bill Friday, as expected, on a vote of 57-41. Twelve Republicans joined all Democrats present in opposition.

But Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray has warned there are “not enough votes to move that idea forward.” He didn’t return multiple interview requests on how the proposal’s prospects may have changed in recent weeks.

Indiana’s Constitution requires a majority of the 50-member Senate to approve legislation. That means the 40-strong Republican supermajority must muster at least 26 votes to pass the bill if all 10 Democrats oppose. GOP Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith can break a 25-25 tie.

Sixteen Senate Republicans have publicly come out in favor of a redraw — some more enthusiastically than others. Another 14 are against.

The latest senator to indicate firm opposition is Sen. Mike Crider, R-Greenfield.

“I think the maps are pretty alarming, actually. So I was a no before, and I’m for sure a no now,” he told the Capital Chronicle. “I mean, I just think that if those maps pass, there’s a good possibility that three or four millionaires from Indianapolis will represent a third of the state, so I don’t know that that serves us well.”

In the current congressional maps, drawn in 2021, Republicans maintained a 7-2 GOP advantage. Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan holds the 1st District in northwest Indiana, while Democratic Rep. André Carson holds the 7th District in Indianapolis.

The House Republican proposal would break up the Lake Michigan shoreline area into two districts and splinter Indianapolis across four far-reaching districts — three of which hit borders with other states.

“I can tell you, from experience, it’s kind of difficult to have totally urban areas and totally rural areas where the constituents are thinking and talking about completely different things,” Crider said.

“For instance, in Hancock County and Shelby County, they never talked about mass transit, and that’s what they wanted to talk about in Irvington. And so, I mean, it’s a stretch,” he said. “And then, if you take that stretch and magnify it from, you know, the south side of Indianapolis to the Ohio River, I’m not sure how that’s even workable. I guess I don’t know how you come up with the map that does that.”

The positions of 10 others remain unknown, even though the first Senate-side votes could be cast as early as Monday afternoon.

That’s when the Elections Committee is scheduled to hear the proposal — and from constituents.

Committee math

Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, promised to “foster a civil debate as we review this bill,” in a Friday statement. He chairs the nine-member committee and is the Senate sponsor of the House-originated legislation.

Gaskill, plus GOP Sens. Tyler Johnson of Leo and Daryl Schmitt of Jasper, support redistricting. But fellow Sen. Greg Walker of Columbus, who isn’t running for reelection, has come out against the idea.

Two committee Democrats are expected to vote in opposition, while three other Republicans are undecided or have declined to comment.

Sen. Linda Rogers, R-LaGrange, said she’s “going back and forth, listening to constituents” throughout “lots of” phone calls and emails, as well as testimony from the House’s single public hearing last week.

“I will be in the elections committee, so until I at least hear all the testimony I don’t like to have made my decision,” Rogers told the Capital Chronicle. She noted “there are so many ramifications on both sides.”

Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, previously said he wanted to see the maps — which have since been released — before making a decision. Goode didn’t reply to multiple requests for comment on his stance.

Sen. Stacey Donato, R-Logansport, said, “I don’t have any comment for you at this time,” when reached by phone Wednesday.

If the redistricting bill advances from first reading in committee, it would head to the chamber floor for amendments on Wednesday. After it’s engrossed, the proposal would go up for a full Senate vote on Thursday.

‘Whatever happens, happens’

It’s unclear how the bill will fare outside the committee room, too.

Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, said Wednesday that he had seen the maps but hadn’t yet read the details of the bill: “You’re not going to get me to commit to something that I haven’t read.”

But, he noted, the legislation goes beyond redrawing boundaries.

“I understand there’s, you know, dates in there and all the things of, you know, people can’t sue. I mean, there’s all kinds of things in there that are unrelated to a map that I have to review,” said Freeman, who is also an attorney. “So I’ll do so, and I’ll be ready to go.”

House Bill 1032 would prohibit seeking or granting temporary injunctions against it, and gives the Indiana Supreme Court “exclusive” jurisdiction over any appeal of an order promoting an injunction.

“That part, in particular, might be a little flag for them in terms of how (unsure senators) view this,” said Laura Merrifield Wilson, a political science professor at the University of Indianapolis.

Sen. Brian Buchanan — who spoke to the Capital Chronicle during a brief dally on the sidelines of a pro-redistricting rally at the Statehouse on Friday — declined to comment on his stance or announcement timeline.

Others didn’t reply to requests for comment, including:

  • Republican Sens. Dan Dernulc of Highland and Rick Niemeyer of Lowell told the Capital Chronicle last month, during the ceremonial first day of the legislative session, that they wanted to see the maps before deciding. It’s unclear what they think of the released draft.
  • Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, R-Indianapolis, said last month that she’d made a decision. When asked to share it, she replied, “Maybe later.”
  • Sens. Ed Charbonneau of Valparaiso and Ryan Mishler of Mishawaka have been publicly noncommittal.

“We also, to my knowledge, have not heard more statements from some of the ‘question-mark’ senators,” Wilson, the professor, observed.

“I kind of wonder if … there’s been movement that we don’t know,” she said, like if senators are “not being forthright with the information of whether or not they have changed or made a decision.”

Wilson said that silence could set up a shock result, if “enough people silently vote in support, having never gone on the record … before.”

Or, it could go the other way. When asked Friday what’s next if the Senate rejects the redistricting bill, Huston told reporters: “Look, it’s been a long week. We’ll deal with it. Whatever happens, happens.”

Cranking up the pressure

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, who appeared at the pro-redistricting rally on Friday, was more aggressive. He again threatened to support primary competition for fellow Republicans who oppose redistricting.

The bill’s failure in the Senate, he said, “means you’re gonna have to clean house to get real conservatives in.”

Braun first echoed Trump’s primary ultimatum last month, after the president posted that Braun “perhaps, is not working the way he should to get the necessary Votes” — and later, that he “must produce” on redistricting.

Rally attendees were repeatedly encouraged to contact their senators — including at stations upstairs by the Senate’s Republican and Democratic entrances. Constituents could leave handwritten messages there.

“I’m down here to break the one-party rule in Marion County,” said Lawrence Township resident Adam Harvey. “Currently, André Carson’s my congressman, and he doesn’t represent me at all.”

The rally drew a crowd of a couple hundred. Some traveled from further afield.

“The state is 60% Republican. We’ve got 80% of the House and the Senate. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t do this,” said Robert Hall, who drove about 90 miles from Mitchell.

Some redistricting opponents argue all-GOP congressional representation isn’t fair when Indiana has typically voted for Trump and others on a 60-40 split. But, Hall said, “What if each of those nine districts were 60-40? That’s what the state is.”

He, like numerous others, cited partisan redistricting efforts in Democratic-controlled states.

The pro-redistricting rally came days after hundreds of Hoosiers packed the Statehouse’s third floor to protest the redistricting plan. Their chants echoed throughout the building, audible even through the doors into the House chamber, as lawmakers plodded through proceedings.

Linda Butler of Lawrence in northeastern Marion County was among the protesters.

“They’re doing it so that they can win elections,” Butler said then, about Indiana Republicans. “It is terrible. I think it’s terrible. That’s an illustration for me that this is wrong.”

State police adjust Statehouse security

At least a dozen legislators, largely Senate Republicans, have publicly disclosed being targeted in swatting attempts, bomb threats and more — prompting an ongoing investigation now led by the Indiana State Police.

That number doesn’t include similar incidents involving local officials, such as Indianapolis City-County Councilor Nick Roberts, according to ISP spokesman Ron Galaviz.

The threats have varied but appear to share a common aim: triggering significant law enforcement responses.

In mid-November, GOP Sen. Andy Zay reported that a bomb threat was emailed to his family’s Huntington vehicle rental business, prompting officers to temporarily block off the area while they investigated.

The threat came shortly after a procedural vote on when the Senate would reconvene. Zay had voted to keep the chamber in session instead of returning in January, which was widely interpreted as support for coming back and addressing redistricting sooner.

“At this point, I’m voting for it,” he told the Capital Chronicle on Wednesday. But, he said, “I would like to see the maps change. … I’m hoping we can make them better” in the Senate.

Asked what edits he’d like to make, Zay quipped, “We don’t have enough time on this phone call.” He said the maps “changed a lot more dramatically than I thought they would.”

Several other lawmakers have also disclosed fake reports had been made to police about violent incidents at their homes — including what officials described as attempts at “swatting.”

Swatting typically involves someone falsely reporting an emergency, such as a shooting or hostage situation, in an effort to prompt an armed law enforcement response to an unsuspecting person’s home.

Although some incidents prompted only small responses — “maybe about a handful of officers,” Galaviz said of the first Terre Haute call to Goode’s residence — officials have stressed that the intent behind the calls appears consistent with swatting.

Galaviz said none of the recent episodes resulted in what police would consider a “large police response.” He emphasized that local agencies “are responding seriously,” while also taking “an extra moment of pause” because they know similar hoaxes are occurring across the state.

State police are routing all reports through the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center as part of one overarching investigation.

Galaviz said ISP has not made any arrests and declined to discuss investigative specifics. But the work “can take some time.”

The “volume of reports” and the high-profile nature of the alleged targets require “thorough, accurate, deep-diving investigations” that could ultimately result in state or federal prosecutions, per Galaviz.

Security protocols at the Statehouse have been adjusted, too, although Galaviz declined to provide details. He said ISP is “well aware” of the ongoing threats and has updated plans ahead of lawmakers’ return to Indianapolis. Local law enforcement agencies may also have their own protective measures in place for targeted officials.

Galaviz urged the public to continue sending any relevant information to the Fusion Center and said ISP will release updates — particularly if an arrest is made — but won’t disclose details prematurely.

“We’re not going to jeopardize our case just because one of your subscribers wants to know,” he said. “It’ll come out sooner or later. We just want it to come out at the appropriate time.”

The post As Indiana Senate begins redistricting work, some Republicans keep mum appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]>
By Leslie Bonilla Muniz
and Casey Smith
Indiana Capital Chronicle

About a quarter of Indiana Republican senators have not yet said how they’ll vote on a sweeping partisan redraw of the state’s congressional maps, teeing up an uncertain week for the proposal’s future.

The Senate will reconvene Monday afternoon to begin consideration of House Bill 1032, after reversing an earlier decision not to meet.

The redesign would likely eliminate Indiana’s two Democratic-held congressional districts to create a 9-0 Republican map ahead of the 2026 midterm election, as sought by President Donald Trump.

The House approved the redistricting bill Friday, as expected, on a vote of 57-41. Twelve Republicans joined all Democrats present in opposition.

But Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray has warned there are “not enough votes to move that idea forward.” He didn’t return multiple interview requests on how the proposal’s prospects may have changed in recent weeks.

Indiana’s Constitution requires a majority of the 50-member Senate to approve legislation. That means the 40-strong Republican supermajority must muster at least 26 votes to pass the bill if all 10 Democrats oppose. GOP Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith can break a 25-25 tie.

Sixteen Senate Republicans have publicly come out in favor of a redraw — some more enthusiastically than others. Another 14 are against.

The latest senator to indicate firm opposition is Sen. Mike Crider, R-Greenfield.

“I think the maps are pretty alarming, actually. So I was a no before, and I’m for sure a no now,” he told the Capital Chronicle. “I mean, I just think that if those maps pass, there’s a good possibility that three or four millionaires from Indianapolis will represent a third of the state, so I don’t know that that serves us well.”

In the current congressional maps, drawn in 2021, Republicans maintained a 7-2 GOP advantage. Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan holds the 1st District in northwest Indiana, while Democratic Rep. André Carson holds the 7th District in Indianapolis.

The House Republican proposal would break up the Lake Michigan shoreline area into two districts and splinter Indianapolis across four far-reaching districts — three of which hit borders with other states.

“I can tell you, from experience, it’s kind of difficult to have totally urban areas and totally rural areas where the constituents are thinking and talking about completely different things,” Crider said.

“For instance, in Hancock County and Shelby County, they never talked about mass transit, and that’s what they wanted to talk about in Irvington. And so, I mean, it’s a stretch,” he said. “And then, if you take that stretch and magnify it from, you know, the south side of Indianapolis to the Ohio River, I’m not sure how that’s even workable. I guess I don’t know how you come up with the map that does that.”

The positions of 10 others remain unknown, even though the first Senate-side votes could be cast as early as Monday afternoon.

That’s when the Elections Committee is scheduled to hear the proposal — and from constituents.

Committee math

Sen. Mike Gaskill, R-Pendleton, promised to “foster a civil debate as we review this bill,” in a Friday statement. He chairs the nine-member committee and is the Senate sponsor of the House-originated legislation.

Gaskill, plus GOP Sens. Tyler Johnson of Leo and Daryl Schmitt of Jasper, support redistricting. But fellow Sen. Greg Walker of Columbus, who isn’t running for reelection, has come out against the idea.

Two committee Democrats are expected to vote in opposition, while three other Republicans are undecided or have declined to comment.

Sen. Linda Rogers, R-LaGrange, said she’s “going back and forth, listening to constituents” throughout “lots of” phone calls and emails, as well as testimony from the House’s single public hearing last week.

“I will be in the elections committee, so until I at least hear all the testimony I don’t like to have made my decision,” Rogers told the Capital Chronicle. She noted “there are so many ramifications on both sides.”

Sen. Greg Goode, R-Terre Haute, previously said he wanted to see the maps — which have since been released — before making a decision. Goode didn’t reply to multiple requests for comment on his stance.

Sen. Stacey Donato, R-Logansport, said, “I don’t have any comment for you at this time,” when reached by phone Wednesday.

If the redistricting bill advances from first reading in committee, it would head to the chamber floor for amendments on Wednesday. After it’s engrossed, the proposal would go up for a full Senate vote on Thursday.

‘Whatever happens, happens’

It’s unclear how the bill will fare outside the committee room, too.

Sen. Aaron Freeman, R-Indianapolis, said Wednesday that he had seen the maps but hadn’t yet read the details of the bill: “You’re not going to get me to commit to something that I haven’t read.”

But, he noted, the legislation goes beyond redrawing boundaries.

“I understand there’s, you know, dates in there and all the things of, you know, people can’t sue. I mean, there’s all kinds of things in there that are unrelated to a map that I have to review,” said Freeman, who is also an attorney. “So I’ll do so, and I’ll be ready to go.”

House Bill 1032 would prohibit seeking or granting temporary injunctions against it, and gives the Indiana Supreme Court “exclusive” jurisdiction over any appeal of an order promoting an injunction.

“That part, in particular, might be a little flag for them in terms of how (unsure senators) view this,” said Laura Merrifield Wilson, a political science professor at the University of Indianapolis.

Sen. Brian Buchanan — who spoke to the Capital Chronicle during a brief dally on the sidelines of a pro-redistricting rally at the Statehouse on Friday — declined to comment on his stance or announcement timeline.

Others didn’t reply to requests for comment, including:

  • Republican Sens. Dan Dernulc of Highland and Rick Niemeyer of Lowell told the Capital Chronicle last month, during the ceremonial first day of the legislative session, that they wanted to see the maps before deciding. It’s unclear what they think of the released draft.
  • Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, R-Indianapolis, said last month that she’d made a decision. When asked to share it, she replied, “Maybe later.”
  • Sens. Ed Charbonneau of Valparaiso and Ryan Mishler of Mishawaka have been publicly noncommittal.

“We also, to my knowledge, have not heard more statements from some of the ‘question-mark’ senators,” Wilson, the professor, observed.

“I kind of wonder if … there’s been movement that we don’t know,” she said, like if senators are “not being forthright with the information of whether or not they have changed or made a decision.”

Wilson said that silence could set up a shock result, if “enough people silently vote in support, having never gone on the record … before.”

Or, it could go the other way. When asked Friday what’s next if the Senate rejects the redistricting bill, Huston told reporters: “Look, it’s been a long week. We’ll deal with it. Whatever happens, happens.”

Cranking up the pressure

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun, who appeared at the pro-redistricting rally on Friday, was more aggressive. He again threatened to support primary competition for fellow Republicans who oppose redistricting.

The bill’s failure in the Senate, he said, “means you’re gonna have to clean house to get real conservatives in.”

Braun first echoed Trump’s primary ultimatum last month, after the president posted that Braun “perhaps, is not working the way he should to get the necessary Votes” — and later, that he “must produce” on redistricting.

Rally attendees were repeatedly encouraged to contact their senators — including at stations upstairs by the Senate’s Republican and Democratic entrances. Constituents could leave handwritten messages there.

“I’m down here to break the one-party rule in Marion County,” said Lawrence Township resident Adam Harvey. “Currently, André Carson’s my congressman, and he doesn’t represent me at all.”

The rally drew a crowd of a couple hundred. Some traveled from further afield.

“The state is 60% Republican. We’ve got 80% of the House and the Senate. There’s no reason why we shouldn’t do this,” said Robert Hall, who drove about 90 miles from Mitchell.

Some redistricting opponents argue all-GOP congressional representation isn’t fair when Indiana has typically voted for Trump and others on a 60-40 split. But, Hall said, “What if each of those nine districts were 60-40? That’s what the state is.”

He, like numerous others, cited partisan redistricting efforts in Democratic-controlled states.

The pro-redistricting rally came days after hundreds of Hoosiers packed the Statehouse’s third floor to protest the redistricting plan. Their chants echoed throughout the building, audible even through the doors into the House chamber, as lawmakers plodded through proceedings.

Linda Butler of Lawrence in northeastern Marion County was among the protesters.

“They’re doing it so that they can win elections,” Butler said then, about Indiana Republicans. “It is terrible. I think it’s terrible. That’s an illustration for me that this is wrong.”

State police adjust Statehouse security

At least a dozen legislators, largely Senate Republicans, have publicly disclosed being targeted in swatting attempts, bomb threats and more — prompting an ongoing investigation now led by the Indiana State Police.

That number doesn’t include similar incidents involving local officials, such as Indianapolis City-County Councilor Nick Roberts, according to ISP spokesman Ron Galaviz.

The threats have varied but appear to share a common aim: triggering significant law enforcement responses.

In mid-November, GOP Sen. Andy Zay reported that a bomb threat was emailed to his family’s Huntington vehicle rental business, prompting officers to temporarily block off the area while they investigated.

The threat came shortly after a procedural vote on when the Senate would reconvene. Zay had voted to keep the chamber in session instead of returning in January, which was widely interpreted as support for coming back and addressing redistricting sooner.

“At this point, I’m voting for it,” he told the Capital Chronicle on Wednesday. But, he said, “I would like to see the maps change. … I’m hoping we can make them better” in the Senate.

Asked what edits he’d like to make, Zay quipped, “We don’t have enough time on this phone call.” He said the maps “changed a lot more dramatically than I thought they would.”

Several other lawmakers have also disclosed fake reports had been made to police about violent incidents at their homes — including what officials described as attempts at “swatting.”

Swatting typically involves someone falsely reporting an emergency, such as a shooting or hostage situation, in an effort to prompt an armed law enforcement response to an unsuspecting person’s home.

Although some incidents prompted only small responses — “maybe about a handful of officers,” Galaviz said of the first Terre Haute call to Goode’s residence — officials have stressed that the intent behind the calls appears consistent with swatting.

Galaviz said none of the recent episodes resulted in what police would consider a “large police response.” He emphasized that local agencies “are responding seriously,” while also taking “an extra moment of pause” because they know similar hoaxes are occurring across the state.

State police are routing all reports through the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center as part of one overarching investigation.

Galaviz said ISP has not made any arrests and declined to discuss investigative specifics. But the work “can take some time.”

The “volume of reports” and the high-profile nature of the alleged targets require “thorough, accurate, deep-diving investigations” that could ultimately result in state or federal prosecutions, per Galaviz.

Security protocols at the Statehouse have been adjusted, too, although Galaviz declined to provide details. He said ISP is “well aware” of the ongoing threats and has updated plans ahead of lawmakers’ return to Indianapolis. Local law enforcement agencies may also have their own protective measures in place for targeted officials.

Galaviz urged the public to continue sending any relevant information to the Fusion Center and said ISP will release updates — particularly if an arrest is made — but won’t disclose details prematurely.

“We’re not going to jeopardize our case just because one of your subscribers wants to know,” he said. “It’ll come out sooner or later. We just want it to come out at the appropriate time.”

The post As Indiana Senate begins redistricting work, some Republicans keep mum appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Screenshot-2025-12-08-083557.png GOP seeks to fill vacancy for Clay Township https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/gop-seeks-to-fill-vacancy-for-clay-township/ Mon, 08 Dec 2025 11:12:26 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=123937 Staff Report

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Republicans have an elected seat to fill after Clay Township Trustee Stephanie Stutzman announced her resignation, effective Dec. 31.

Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Mike Ragan announced on Friday the details for a caucus to replace her.

The caucus will take place in the Claypool Lions Building on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m.

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 27.

Declarations of candidacy are available at the office of the Kosciusko County Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county Justice Building.

The post GOP seeks to fill vacancy for Clay Township appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> Staff Report

WARSAW — Kosciusko County Republicans have an elected seat to fill after Clay Township Trustee Stephanie Stutzman announced her resignation, effective Dec. 31.

Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Mike Ragan announced on Friday the details for a caucus to replace her.

The caucus will take place in the Claypool Lions Building on Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 6 p.m.

Applications will be accepted until Dec. 27.

Declarations of candidacy are available at the office of the Kosciusko County Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county Justice Building.

The post GOP seeks to fill vacancy for Clay Township appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-08-072133.png Braun defends redistricting plan while in Warsaw for groundbreaking https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/braun-defends-redistricting-plan-while-in-warsaw-for-groundbreaking/ Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:21:51 +0000 https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/?p=123702 Staff Report

WARSAW — Gov. Mike Braun defended Republicans’ renewed effort to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts Wednesday, saying the new map is needed to create competitive districts despite criticism from opponents.

Braun spoke at a groundbreaking ceremony in Warsaw, marking his first public comments since state legislators resumed efforts to redraw congressional districts that could eliminate Indiana’s only two Democratic-held seats.

Article continues below.

[caption id="attachment_123707" align="aligncenter" width="670"] Here is how the existing congressional map (Left) compares to what House Republicans proposed earlier this week.[/caption]

Braun said the new map would level the national political landscape.

The new map is under consideration in the House after passing out of committee. If it passes in the House, it faces a tougher road in the Senate, WNDU reported.

A proposal touted by Indiana’s House Republicans would drastically change each district from the existing congressional lines that are much more compact.

“I know it upsets some people because it’s between a census and the last one, but if you want to be competitive, you got to do it,” Braun told WNDU. “And the House had the votes and was going to be held up by the Senate. When I saw the Senate purposely trying to do it behind closed doors, dragging their feet, especially when all the senators were becoming public for it, that’s why we needed to get to where we are.”

Meanwhile,  Republican state Sen. Kyle Walker announced he won’t seek reelection next year, making him another opponent of the proposed GOP-redraw of Indiana’s congressional maps who will be leaving the Legislature, Indiana Capital Chronicle reported on Wednesday.

Walker is among about a dozen Republican senators to publicly oppose redistricting.

Walker’s statement did not mention the congressional redistricting that’s been demanded by President Donald Trump, who has berated several Republican state senators who’ve come out against the redraw.

The House is expected to soon vote on the plan, and state senators are expected to consider it next week.

Braun's visit was listed on his online schedule, but it was not widely announced to the media.

 

The post Braun defends redistricting plan while in Warsaw for groundbreaking appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> Staff Report

WARSAW — Gov. Mike Braun defended Republicans’ renewed effort to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts Wednesday, saying the new map is needed to create competitive districts despite criticism from opponents.

Braun spoke at a groundbreaking ceremony in Warsaw, marking his first public comments since state legislators resumed efforts to redraw congressional districts that could eliminate Indiana’s only two Democratic-held seats.

Article continues below.

Here is how the existing congressional map (Left) compares to what House Republicans proposed earlier this week.

Braun said the new map would level the national political landscape.

The new map is under consideration in the House after passing out of committee. If it passes in the House, it faces a tougher road in the Senate, WNDU reported.

A proposal touted by Indiana’s House Republicans would drastically change each district from the existing congressional lines that are much more compact.

“I know it upsets some people because it’s between a census and the last one, but if you want to be competitive, you got to do it,” Braun told WNDU. “And the House had the votes and was going to be held up by the Senate. When I saw the Senate purposely trying to do it behind closed doors, dragging their feet, especially when all the senators were becoming public for it, that’s why we needed to get to where we are.”

Meanwhile,  Republican state Sen. Kyle Walker announced he won’t seek reelection next year, making him another opponent of the proposed GOP-redraw of Indiana’s congressional maps who will be leaving the Legislature, Indiana Capital Chronicle reported on Wednesday.

Walker is among about a dozen Republican senators to publicly oppose redistricting.

Walker’s statement did not mention the congressional redistricting that’s been demanded by President Donald Trump, who has berated several Republican state senators who’ve come out against the redraw.

The House is expected to soon vote on the plan, and state senators are expected to consider it next week.

Braun’s visit was listed on his online schedule, but it was not widely announced to the media.

 

The post Braun defends redistricting plan while in Warsaw for groundbreaking appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

]]> https://www.newsnowwarsaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Untitled-design-2025-12-01T131146.272.png