Smith, Hartman secure wins in Parke County Commissioner races

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 9:40 PM

By Paul Gable

There will be a changing of the guard when it comes to the Parke County Commissioners, as long time Commissioner Jim Meece was defeated Tuesday night by Dr. Donna Smith.

Smith, who had served the last eight years as the Parke County Coroner, defeated the 24-year incumbent by a margin of 1,561 votes to 919 or 62.94 percent to 37.06 percent in the District 3 race.

For Smith, the win solidified a belief that the district was ready for a new set of eyes and ideas.

"Even though plenty of people were preaching "time for change," I know he's done a lot of good, and it's still going to be big shoes to fill. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can in the next eight months so that I can hit the ground running," Smith told The Parke County Post.

As for Meece, he acknowledged he was "fine" with the result.

"I lost big, and I am fine with that. Twenty-four years is enough. I had no expectations, so, no, not surprised. I really didn't know how it would go. I have 240 days left to finish some things I've started," Meece told The Parke County Post.

In the District 2 race, incumbent Bruce Hartman retained his seat, holding off challenges from both Cameron Martin and Jeffrey A. Ramey II.

Hartman secured 1,186 votes or 49.09 percent, while Martin finished second with 761 votes or 31.5 percent and Ramey had 469 votes or 19.41 percent.