SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The St. Joseph County Republican Party made history on Tuesday with first-time wins across the county. Since the party was founded in 1854, the GOP has never held the Clerk’s Office, Assessor’s Office or a majority on the County Council. That all changed on election night. All while holding on to what many thought could be vulnerable seats in the County Commissioners and State House of Representatives. Deep blue St. Joseph County also flipped red, with Republicans outperforming expectations, despite the lackluster performance of Republicans nationwide.
COUNTY CLERK
Republican Amy Rolfes appears to have defeated Democrat and long-time Clerk employee, Lana Cleary. Rolfes is the first Republican to hold the office. This comes as scandal after scandal was uncovered in the Democrat run Clerk’s Office, leading to two Indiana State Police investigations.
COUNTY ASSESSOR
Republican Mike Castellon defeated Democrat Ted Booker, becoming the first Republican to hold the office.
COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT A
Republican Joe Thomas appears to have defeated longtime Democrat incumbent Bobby Kruszynski.
COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT B
Republican Amy Drake defeated long time Democrat incumbent Corey Noland in a razor thin victory of just 35 votes.
COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT C
Republican Dan Schaetzle defeated Democrat John Piller in a blowout victory.
While Democrats Diana Hess and Bryan Tanner both won their County Council races, the Republicans now hold a 5 to 4 majority on the County Council for the first time in history.
COUNTY COMMISSIONER DISTRICT 1
Republican Carl Baxmeyer held onto his seat, defeating radical Democrat Don Westerhausen. This was despite a strong running from a third party candidate that many believed pulled several votes away from the Republican party. Republicans continue to hold on to all three commissioner seats.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 5
Republican incumbent Dale Devon destroyed his radical Democrat challenger, Heidi Beidinger.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 7
Republican incumbent Jake Teshka easily defeated Democrat and former state rep. Ross Deal.
Oh, and St. Joseph County voters went for a Republican US Congressman in Rudy Yakum for the first time in history as well.
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Way to go GOP! Also Kudo’s to Matt Chaffee in PHM. Although a minority voice, I am confident he will keep the rest of the board transparent and accountable to the community.
Congratulations Amy Drake!!! All your hard work paid off..
This has been a long, long time in coming. Thanks to Zach Potts and Tyler Gillean for their respective leadership in making this happen.
I truly don’t think this could have happened without RNM, HCV, Casey. Together you have all inspired and motivated us conservatives to not give up hope, to speak up and stop being insipid and afraid. Thanks for all you do!