BEDFORD — Following the passing of Pleasant Run Township Advisory Board member Paul Edsel Ford, the Lawrence County Republican Party is announcing the process for filling the vacancy on the Pleasant Run Township Advisory Board. Ford served the people of Pleasant Run Township for over a decade. The Lawrence County Republican Party extends its gratitude for his leadership and years of public service. Because Ford was elected as a Republican, Indiana law provides that the Republican Party will fill the vacancy. Since Pleasant Run Township consists of one voting precinct, the vacancy will be filled by appointment of Lawrence County Republican Party Chairman Chase Cummings.
Chairman Cummings has established an interview committee to assist with the selection process.
Current Vacancy — Term Ending December 31, 2026
The first appointment will fill the remainder of Ford’s current term, beginning when the appointee is sworn in and ending December 31, 2026. Individuals interested in being considered for the appointment should email lawcogop@gmail.com no later than 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 11. Interviews will begin at 6:00 p.m. Monday, September 14. Following the interviews, the committee will make a recommendation to Chairman Cummings, who will make the official appointment.
2026 General Election — Term Beginning January 1, 2027
A separate process will determine the Republican candidate for the four-year term beginning January 1, 2027. Ford was on the ballot for re-election this year and successfully advanced through the May Primary Election. Because the November ballot has not yet been finalized, the Republican Party will also accept applications from individuals interested in being appointed as the Republican candidate for the Pleasant Run Township Advisory Board. Applicants must submit a completed CAN-31form to the Lawrence County Voter Registration Office or Chairman Cummings no later than 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 8. Interviews for the ballot vacancy will be held Friday, September 11. Additional information regarding the interview schedule will be provided to applicants. The individual selected will be appointed to the 2026 General Election ballot and will serve the four-year term from January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2030. The two appointment processes are separate. Appointment to the current vacancy through December 31, 2026 does not automatically result in placement on the 2026 General Election ballot or appointment to the 2027–2030 term. The Lawrence County Republican Party’s goal is to identify qualified individuals committed to responsible, effective leadership for the citizens of Pleasant Run Township.
Application Information
Current Vacancy:
Application deadline: 5:00 p.m., Friday, September 11
Interviews: 6:00 p.m., Monday, September 14
Term: Through December 31, 2026
2026 General Election Ballot Vacancy:
CAN-31 deadline: 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 8
Interviews: Friday, September 11
Term: January 1, 2027 – December 31, 2030
Applications and questions may be directed to lawcogop@gmail.com.
