Marsha McSherry, county vice chair and interim chair, left, is shown with newly elected Kosciusko County Republican Chairman Mike Ragan, and retired county chair Randy Girod. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

WARSAW — Michael “Mike” Ragan was elected the new Kosciusko County Republican Chair by county precinct committeemen and vice committeemen Wednesday evening, Aug. 3. Ragan received the majority of the 94 votes cast over his opponent Tressa Nichols.

Marsha McSherry, interim county chair, presided during the caucus.

Ragan will fill the remaining seven-month term vacated by Randy Girod, who resigned almost a month ago. The party will hold a re-organizational election of officers in March.

“Thank you very much, I am honored for your support. I look forward to a great season. We have seven months before we have this election again. In the next seven months we have a lot of things to do … I am so grateful for everyone.” Additionally he stated, “We do have to work together, we want to build a great team, an unbeatable team. We have lots of great campaigns … we want to make sure we don’t take any of these elections for granted.”

Calling his opponent to the front with him and holding their hands up in victory, Ragan thanked Nichols for being a great player.

Michael ‘Mike’ Ragan

Prior to eligible voters casting their ballots, each candidate was given an opportunity to have someone introduce them and then give a three-minute presentation. Neither candidate took advantage of the time allotted.

Girod introduced Ragan noting even though Ragan had opposed him in the party’s county reorganization last March, they have worked together as a team. He noted it was a tough position for him because he has also worked with Nichols. Girod noted Ragan’s organization skills and ability to keep the local party in the right footing as previous county chairs.

“I am very grateful to be here and to have the encouragement and support of so many, including the previous five Republican county chairs. I am humbled,” stated Ragan. During his speech, Ragan noted being raised by a Marine, who taught his son the importance of honor, character, and love of country; “and this love of country is part of my very being and will be as long as I live.”

He told the voters he could “bring our party together, to do our part, to move our state and nation to victory in November. To strengthen and unify a party that has been the party of preference by our citizens, for many years, to encourage the younger generation, to engage in party activities and more critical, embrace our philosophy. I pledge my commitment to serve you with the high standards you are accustomed, and to support our party’s platform.”

Tressa Nichols

Rep. Dave Wolkins introduced Nichols. He stated the party is in a win, win situation with two conservative individuals running for the chairman’s position. Wolkins stated Nichols, the mother of six children (all named after conservative politicians) has been interested in government for many years, is outspoken, articulate and serving. She has worked on numerous campaigns, testified before legislative committees and is energetic.

Nichols noted while running for county council in the primary, she learned the average voting age was 65. Her primary objective is to get younger voters involved in the party. She vowed to activate a Young Republican organization, whether she was elected or not as chairman, work to engage 18-30 year olds and hold monthly meetings. “This has been a life long passion for me,” Nichols said.