Staff Report

INDIANAPOLIS — Plans have been set by Republicans to choose a replacement for 2nd District Congresswoman Jackie Walorski who died last week in a car crash.

Gov. Eric Holcomb on Tuesday, Aug. 9, signed an executive order calling for a special election to replace Walorski at the same time as the state’s general election on Tuesday, Nov. 8.

Also on Tuesday, the Indiana GOP announced in a press release its plans to hold caucuses to choose a party nominee to replace Walorski in the general election as well as one to fill out the rest of her current term.

Those caucuses are set for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20, at Grissom Middle School, 13881 Kern Road, Mishawaka. Eligible GOP precinct committee members in the district will cast votes.

State GOP Chairman Kyle Hupfer noted in the release that Indiana law requires the caucuses to be held soon.

“We are still in shock by the tragic passing of Rep. Jackie Walorski and not eager to talk about the next steps,” stated Hupfer. “Unfortunately, Indiana Code requires us to move much faster than any of us would like. While we are taking actions to move forward in filling the vacancies, we shall not forget Jackie, Zach, and Emma and their immense legacies.”

According to the release, “generally, the Indiana Republican Party would have 30 days to fill a ballot vacancy. However, in this instance, Indiana Code requires that a certificate of nomination be submitted to the Indiana Election Division no later than noon on Friday, Aug. 26, 2022.”