HUNTINGTON COUNTY, Ind. (WOWO): Voters in Huntington County will take part in the Primary Election on May 5, 2026, selecting nominees for federal, state, county, township, and party leadership positions. The ballot spans every level of government—from Congress to local precinct organization—making it one of the most comprehensive election cycles for residents.
This guide provides a complete, neutral listing of every candidate along with concise, nonpartisan background summaries to help voters understand the roles and individuals on the ballot.
United States Representative – Third District
Republican Candidates
- Jon M. Kenworthy (filed Feb. 6, 2026)
Kenworthy is a Republican candidate seeking federal office. Candidates for Congress typically bring experience in business, agriculture, law, or public service, focusing on national legislation and constituent representation. - Marlin A. Stutzman (filed Jan. 26, 2026)
Stutzman is a former member of Congress with prior experience representing Indiana’s Third District. His background includes state and federal legislative service as well as private-sector work.
Democratic Candidate
- Kelly Thompson (filed Jan. 7, 2026)
Thompson is the Democratic candidate. Congressional candidates generally focus on federal policy, economic development, and district-level advocacy.
State Senator – District 17
Republican Candidates
- Michael R. Hensley (filed Jan. 21, 2026)
Hensley is a candidate in a three-way Republican primary. Candidates for state senate typically emphasize legislative policy, budgeting, and regional development. - Nick McKinley (filed Jan. 13, 2026)
McKinley is also seeking the Republican nomination, with a focus on representing district interests at the state level. - Chris Parker (filed Feb. 4, 2026)
Parker rounds out the Republican field. He is also listed as a convention delegate candidate, indicating broader involvement in party activities.
Democratic Candidate
- Cynthia M. Wehr (filed Feb. 5, 2026)
Wehr is the Democratic candidate and is also active in local party organization roles.
State Representative – District 50
- Pepper Snyder (Democratic) – filed Jan. 21, 2026
Snyder is the Democratic candidate and is also involved in party delegate roles. - Lorissa C. Sweet (Republican) – filed Jan. 8, 2026
Sweet is the Republican candidate. State representatives handle legislation affecting local communities, education, and infrastructure.
Judge, Huntington Superior Court
- Jennifer Newton (Republican) – filed Jan. 14, 2026
Judicial candidates must be licensed attorneys. Judges preside over civil and criminal cases and ensure fair application of the law.
Prosecuting Attorney
- Jeremy K. Nix (Republican) – filed Jan. 16, 2026
The prosecuting attorney represents the state in criminal cases and works closely with law enforcement agencies.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Kristina L. (Kris) Bickel (Republican) – filed Jan. 20, 2026
The clerk manages court records, filings, and administrative processes.
County Auditor
- Julie Newsome (Republican) – filed Jan. 14, 2026
The auditor oversees financial records, payroll, and budget tracking for the county.
County Recorder
- Shelley Malone Septer (Republican) – filed Jan. 7, 2026
The recorder maintains public records including property documents and official filings.
County Sheriff
- Chad Hammel (Republican) – filed Jan. 7, 2026
The sheriff oversees law enforcement operations, jail management, and public safety.
County Surveyor
- Jerry B. Meehan Jr. (Republican) – filed Jan. 7, 2026
Surveyors manage land boundaries, drainage systems, and infrastructure mapping.
County Assessor
- Jill E. Amick-Zorger (Republican) – filed Jan. 7, 2026
The assessor determines property values for taxation.
County Commissioner – District 1
- Rob Miller (Republican) – filed Jan. 7, 2026
Miller is also listed as a convention delegate candidate, indicating involvement in party leadership. - Jodi Stouder (Republican) – filed Feb. 2, 2026
Stouder is competing in the Republican primary. - Olivia Eckert (Democratic) – filed Feb. 5, 2026
Eckert is the Democratic candidate and is also active in precinct-level organization.
County Council
District 1
- John Stoeckley (R)
- Megan Bonbrake (D)
District 2
- Kendall Mickley (R)
District 3
- Todd Landrum (R)
- Mathew Shoda (R)
District 4
- Mitchell Edward (Mitch) Garrison (R)
- Brian L. Warpup (R)
- Dave Holland (D)
County council members oversee budgeting and fiscal policy.
Township Trustees
Republican candidates:
- Jennifer E. Hotchkiss – Clear Creek
- Kay Schwob – Dallas
- Everett (EJ) Carroll – Huntington Township
- Tyler Andrew Rosenfeld – Huntington Township
- Cara Conwell – Jackson
- Mark D. Vickrey – Jefferson
- Thomas Jay Allred – Lancaster
- Kristen Eckert – Polk
- Jasmine Beekman – Rock Creek
- Linda Smith – Salamonie
- Cynthia Blocker – Union
- Angie Landrum – Warren
- Emily Stinefield – Wayne
Democratic candidates:
- Brian Zuercher – Huntington Township
Trustees manage township assistance and local services.
Township Board Members
Candidates across all townships include:
Clear Creek: Matt Armstrong, Aaron Betterly, Roger Warner
Dallas: Kevin Close, Kyle Kitt, Eric Powell, Jeanne Hastings (D)
Huntington Township: Mark Shoffner (D), Jessica Brown (D), Tim Guy (R), Tammy Kline (R), Mike Perkins (R)
Jackson: Sheila Hines, Larry Lahr, Steven Thomas
Jefferson: Joe Landrum, Randy Pinkerton, Jon Smith
Lancaster: Brad Couch, Jim Paul, Terry Updike
Polk: Angie Tyner, Jeff White
Rock Creek: Bradley Blair, Misty Kern, Andrew Odquist
Salamonie: Adam Jones, Terry Miller II, John Vickrey, Heather Holly (D)
Union: Ron Goetz, Ken Harrell, Neil Kline
Warren: Rita Michel, Kathy Morton, Lee Schmalzried
Wayne: Colt Burnau, Kevin Killen, Ashley Tinkle
Township boards approve budgets and oversee trustee operations.
Markle Town Council
- Blake A. Caley (Republican) – filed Jan. 21, 2026
Town council members govern local ordinances and budgets.
Party Convention Delegates
Republican Delegates:
Ed Asher, Larry Buzzard, Braxton Craft, Kevin Deakyne, Kathy Elmore, Marla Foster, Philip Hibbert, Gloria Holzinger, Todd Landrum, Dawn MacDonald, John Michaels, Carrie Miller, Rob Miller, Terry Miller, Chris Parker, Shelley Septer, Mathew Shoda, Mike Thompson, Tinisha Weigelt, Gregory Witkamp
Democratic Delegates:
Joyce Bentz, Thomas Bohm, Brian Humphries, Kevin Karst, Gary Snyder, Pepper Snyder, Melanie Thornsberry, Cynthia Wehr
Delegates help select party leadership and influence platform decisions.
Precinct Committeemen (Democratic)
Candidates include:
Joyce Bentz, Jeanne Hastings, Olivia Eckert, William Oswalt, Luke Vickrey, Brian Zuercher, April Chopson, Cynthia Hyde, Megan Bonbrake, Melanie Thornsberry, Thomas Bohm, Roxanna Lucas Murray, Brian Humphries, Lisa Snider, Cynthia Wehr, Heather Holly, Kevin Karst
Precinct committeemen organize local party efforts and voter outreach.
Final Notes for Voters
The Huntington County primary ballot includes dozens of candidates across every level of government, from federal representation to neighborhood-level party organization.
Key takeaways:
- Several races are contested primaries, particularly at the state and county levels
- Many township and administrative roles are uncontested but remain essential to daily operations
- Party delegate and precinct positions play a role in shaping future elections
Voters are encouraged to review the full ballot carefully and participate in selecting nominees who will move on to the general election.
