Bartholomew County’s Republican Party chair is stepping down after eight years.
Barb Hackman, 64, said she plans to step down when her term ends in March but will continue her duties as Bartholomew County treasurer.
The Bartholomew County Republican Party will hold a reorganization meeting March 6 to choose new committee officers, including Hackman’s successor.
Hackman said a number of things prompted her decision.
“My husband retired last year,” she said. “We closed the market (Hackman’s Farm Market) we’ve had for 30 years. We plan to maybe do a little more traveling. …That was part of it. Also, I’ve done it for two terms, eight years, and I just think it’s time to let someone else (be chair.) New leadership is sometimes good.”
Hackman has been party chair since March 2013, succeeding Ted Ogle. Prior to that, she served as party vice chair.
Hackman said serving as chair has been “an honor and a privilege” and has created so many fond memories during her tenure, including meeting local, state and federal leaders, but “it is hard to pinpoint just one.”
“The one I cherish the most is just really getting to know (former) Vice President (Mike) Pence,” she said. “We’ve had so many functions for him out at the farm, several rallies. We did a commercial at the farm when Mike Pence was running for governor.”
Currently, it is not clear who will be Hackman’s successor.
During the reorganization meeting, precinct and vice precinct committee members will vote on the party’s committee offices, Hackman said. There are 66 precincts in Bartholomew County.
DeWayne Hines currently serves as vice chair, Jorge Morales is secretary and LuAnn Welmer is treasurer.
So far, nobody has officially declared their candidacy for party chair, Hackman said. The deadline to file for candidacy is March 3.
The local Republican party posted a strong showing the 2020 election, sweeping all contested races.
But in the 2019 city election, the Republicans lost their majority on the Columbus City Council for the first time since 1983, with newcomers Jerone Wood and Grace Kestler unseating GOP incumbents.
“I’ve enjoyed almost every minute,” Hackman said. “There have been some ups and downs. But for the most part, I’ve really, really enjoyed being chair of the Republican Party. I’m sure the county is going to be in good hands going forward.”
