The exterior of Bartholomew County Courthouse in Columbus, Ind., pictured, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016. Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Candidate filing for this year’s presidential election in Indiana will open next week, with races for several federal, state and local offices on the ballot.
The first day that candidates can file a declaration of candidacy for a major party primary nomination can file is Wednesday, according to the Indiana Election Division. Indiana’s presidential primary will be held May 7, and the general election will be held Nov. 5.
“Usually, we do have some folks on the first day of filing,” said Bartholomew County Clerk Shari Lentz. “Usually, that’s an exciting day.”
On the federal level, local voters will get to cast votes for U.S. president, as well as U.S. House and Senate this year. Reps. Greg Pence and Erin Houchin, who each represent parts of Bartholomew County, are both up for re-election.
Currently, it is unclear if Pence will seek another term in Congress. Pence’s team did not respond to questions about his future plans.
The three-term congressman from Columbus has been asked by Republican candidate for Indiana governor, Suzanne Crouch, to consider being her running mate, though it is unclear if he is interested.
There also will be a U.S. Senate race on the ballot. Incumbent Republican Sen. Mike Braun is not seeking another term in Congress and is instead running for Indiana governor. Republican Rep. Jim Banks has announced that he plans to seek Braun’s seat.
On the state level, Indiana governor is up for grabs, as incumbent Eric Holcomb is term limited. Braun, Crouch, former Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill and former president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. Eric Doden, among others, have already said they plan to throw their hats into the ring for the GOP nomination.
Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater also have said they plan to run.
Reps. Ryan Lauer, Jim Lucas and Jennifer Meltzer, who each represent parts of Bartholomew County, also are up for re-election this year.
Lucas — who recently pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges after police said he crashed his vehicle through an interstate guardrail while under the influence of alcohol and then fled the scene — is expected to face a primary challenge from Brownstown teacher Brian Savilla. Democrat Trish Whitcomb of Seymour also has said she plans to run for the seat.
Locally, Bartholomew County Superior 1 Judge James “Jim” Worton will be up for re-election. The seats currently held by Bartholomew County Commissioners Larry Kleinhenz and Tony London also will be up.
Additionally, three Bartholomew County Council at-large seats — currently held by Evelyn Pence, Matt Miller and William Lentz — as well as Bartholomew County Coroner Clayton Nolting and Bartholomew County Surveyor E.R. Gray III will be up for re-election.
There also will be some local elections in Hartsville, Hope and Jonesville.
