By Dan Spalding
InkFreeNews

Chad Miner

WARSAW – Republican Chad Miner’s third try proved successful after defeating Democrat Antony Garza Tuesday night in the race for Superior Court 3 judge.

Miner overcame a tough four-way battle in the Republican primary and won with almost 70% of the vote Tuesday night, Nov. 3, against attorney Antony Garza, who became a candidate this summer on the Democratic ticket.

The 42-year-old Silver Lake resident had eyed a seat on the bench for years, but lost in an election six years ago and was passed over when a new court was created two years ago.

“It’s obviously something I’ve been interested in for a long time,” he said.

Miner, whose father, Michael Miner, has been a mainstay in Kosciusko County Republican politics for decades, will now settle into a six-year term on the bench.

Miner was one of several Republicans who won with relative ease in Kosciusko County and expressed appreciation for the support.

Antony Garza

“I’m honored that the people of Kosciusko County chose me to be the next judge of Superior Court 3. I’m very grateful for that,” Miner said Tuesday night at GOP headquarters where he savored the moment with his wife, Rachel, and other Republican winners and supporters.

Miner serves as the attorney for Kosciusko County and is a member of the Silver Lake Town Council.

County officials, anticipating a victory by Miner, had already tentatively settled on his replacement, attorney Edward Ormsby.

Miner will also be stepping down from his town council seat.

Garza ran an upbeat campaign and touted a long list of endorsements, including ones from attorneys and a few Republicans, in his first attempt at elected office.

Garza, who owns his own law firm, highlighted an extensive, longer legal career compared to Miner’s.

Garza could not be reached for comment late Tuesday night.