INDIANAPOLIS — In accordance with Indiana Code, Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer on Wednesday officially called two caucuses of eligible precinct committee members to separately fill ballot vacancies for the upcoming special election and the upcoming general election resulting from the passing of 2nd District U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski.
“We are still in shock by the tragic passing of Rep. Jackie Walorski and not eager to talk about the next steps,” stated Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer in a news release. “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.”
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 Aug. 26.
Accordingly, the caucuses will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 at Grissom Middle School, 13881 Kern Road, Mishawaka, the news release states.
Walorski, 58, Elkhart, was one of four people killed Aug. 3 in a two-vehicle accident on Ind. 19, south of Ind. 119. The other three who lost their lives in the crash were Walorski’s district director, Zachery Potts, 27, Mishawaka; her communications director, Emma Thomson, 28, Washington, D.C.; and the driver of the other vehicle, Edith Schmucker, 56, Nappanee.
Walorski’s funeral services are set for 11 a.m. today in Granger.
Wednesday afternoon, WNDU Channel 16 reported that, according to the Indiana secretary of state, State Rep. Curt Nisly, District 22, was the first to file to run for Walorski’s seat.
Nisly lost to District 18 State Rep. Craig Snow in the Republican primary in May. The two districts overlapped after redistricting was completed in 2020.
