Cary Groninger Tops McConnell In County Commissioner Race
By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews
WARSAW — Cary Groninger says he plans to focus on housing and broadband after securing his first election victory for Kosciusko County commissioner.
Groninger, a Republican incumbent, won the middle district county commissioner race on Tuesday, Nov. 3, taking 74.18% of votes against Democratic challenger Travis McConnell.
This is Groninger’s first full term in office; he was appointed to serve as a commissioner by Republican caucus to finish the term of Ron Truex three years ago.
Groninger said he plans to “pledge 100%” to his role and is “humbled” by being chosen for it.
Among his goals: continuing to work on expanding broadband in the county, which is intertwined with efforts to improve communications for first responders, and working on affordable housing. Of the latter, Groninger said he’d like to focus on housing in all parts of the county and not just Warsaw.
He said he was thankful for his supporters.
He said he looks forward to working with other elected officials, including with his wife, Kathy, who won a seat on the county council Tuesday night.
Meanwhile, McConnell took the loss in stride.
McConnell huddled at One Ten Craft Meatery with supporters and called Groninger to congratulate him.
In a short speech, McConnell thanked his family and supporters.
“When we started this race, we said we wanted to bring people together and we did that,” McConnell said, saying his yard signs were standing alongside Republican candidates including Donald Trump and Chad Miner, among others.
“I thought it would be closer than it was, but we knew it would be a tough fight,” he added.
He belabored the fact that 11,637 Republicans voted straight-ticket while only 2,130 Democrats voted a straight ticket.
Indiana is one of six states that allow straight-ticket voting.
“If it were up to me, we would just have names on the ballot. You should know who you’re voting for,” he said.