LAWRENCE COUNTY – The field for the May 5, 2026, Primary Election has seen a significant surge in activity as more local residents filed their candidacy at the Lawrence County Clerk’s Office this week.
The latest filings, updated as of late afternoon on January 16, 2026, show new competition emerging in key county races and a strengthening roster of township candidates.
Federal and State Races
Incumbent Republican Erin Houchin has officially filed for re-election as the U.S. Representative for the Ninth District. The Democratic primary for that seat will feature a contest between Brad A. Meyer and Keil L. Roark.
In the Indiana House of Representatives, incumbent Chris D. May (R) has filed for re-election to District 065.
County Judicial and Law Enforcement
Several incumbent Republicans remain unopposed as of the latest filing report:
- Judge of the Circuit Court: Nathan G. Nikirk
- Judge of the Superior Court No. 2: Robert (Bob) Cline
- Prosecuting Attorney: Samuel C. Arp, II
- County Sheriff: Greg Day
- County Assessor: April Stapp Collins
County Commissioner
The race for County Commissioner, District 1, is shaping up to be one of the most-watched contests of the primary. The field has expanded to four Republican candidates with the new filings of Bob Evans and Gary Koontz. They join previously filed candidates Jason Branham and Rick Butterfield.
County Council
The Republican primary for County Council also saw new movement this week:
- District 1: Amy Redman
- District 2: Phil Inman and Brian Skillman
- District 3: David Holmes and Jeffrey Lytton
- District 4: Brian Prince now faces a primary challenge from Larry Arnold, who filed on January 16.
Township Offices
Township-level races saw the most growth in recent days, with several new filings for both Trustee and Board positions:
Township Trustees (Republicans):
- Bono: Michelle L. Porter
- Indian Creek: Gary K. Scherschel
- Marshall: Christopher D. Noel
- Perry: Carla Bomgardner
- Pleasant Run: James Edsel Ford
- Shawswick: Millard Jones
- Spice Valley: Michelle D. Cornett (Filed 1/15)
Township Boards: The Shawswick Township Board (Republican) now includes a four-way race with the addition of Linda Sue Randolph, joining Jennie Edwards, Amy Kleber, and Andrew J. Rusch. Julie Morris has filed for the Democratic board ticket.
In Spice Valley Township, the Republican board race includes David A. Kissel, Tony Lynch, and Philip M. Smith.
Convention Delegates
Political parties are also busy filling delegate slots for the state conventions.
- Republican Delegates: Brad Bough, Chase Cummings, Alexandra Edwards, Robert Hall, Henry Shetler, Andrew J. Rusch, and Nathan Watson.
- Democratic Delegates: Sherri Childers, Karin Lauderback, and Julie Morris.
The deadline for candidates to file for the May primary is approaching. Registered voters have until April 6, 2026, to ensure they are eligible to vote in this election.
