Republicans dominate at Shelby County polls

Shelby County remains Republican strong.

There are two new Shelby County Commissioners and three new Shelby County Council At-Large members – all Republican.

David Lawson defeated Winnie Soviar, 13,927-4,575, for the County Commissioner Center District seat. Lawson will replace Kevin Nigh in 2025.

Nathan Runnebohm also had a dominant performance Tuesday, defeating Democrat challenger Joe Land, 13,957-4,952. Runnebohm will replace Don Parker in 2025.

Both Nigh and Parker did not seek reelection.

Republicans Troy Merrick (10,321 votes), Charity Mohr (8,763) and Jeremy Ruble (7,528) earned the three At-Large seats on the Shelby County Council with strong performances against Democrat Chase Yanzer (4,760).

The Shelbyville Central Schools Board will have two new members in 2025.

In District 3 voting, Dennis Hearne defeated incumbent Curt Johnson, 3,785-3,331.

And in District 4, Andrea Lee (4,297) and Michael Turner (4,247) earned seats over Edward Small (1,777). Turner is currently serving on the school board. Lee will join in 2025, replacing Troy Merrick, the current school board president, who opted not to run again to pursue a seat on the Shelby County Council.

There is change on the Southwestern Consolidated Schools board with Daryl Thomas defeating incumbent Travis Beck, 950-915, for the Hendricks Township seat.

Jonathan Deater was reelected to one of two Jackson Township seats. The other seat will be filled by John Blue.

Shelby County saw a 62.17% voter turnout (20,070) for the 2024 election. There were 9,902 walk-in absentee ballots, 883 paper absentee ballots and 9,285 votes cast on Tuesday.

The Donald Trump/J.D. Vance ticket was strong in Shelby County with 14,438 votes. The Kamala Harris/Tim Walz campaign received 4,955 votes.

Republican Jim Banks defeated Valerie McCray (D) and Andrew Horning (L) for the U.S. Senator seat. Banks received 72.1% of the votes.

Republican Mike Braun will be Indiana’s next Governor, defeating Jennifer McCormick (D), 12,160-5,236.

Todd Rokita maintained his status as Attorney General, besting Destiny Wells (D), 13,467-5,381.

Jefferson Shreve (R) captured the U.S. Representative District 6 seat with 70.3% of the votes.

Michael Crider retained the District 28 Senator seat with 83% of the votes.

Robb Greene (R) defeated Michael Potter (D) with 79.5% of the vote for the State Representative District 47 seat.

Republican Jennifer Meltzer topped Hollie Payton (D), 8,100-2,666 to retain the State Representative District 73 seat.

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