john-rust-denied-rehearing-in-effort-to-run-for-senate-seat
The Indiana Supreme Court denied U.S. Senate candidate John Rust a rehearing in a case to determine his eligibility for the Republican primary ballot. Previously, the justices stayed a lower court ruling that booted Rust from the ballot.
Rust wants to challenge Congressman Jim Banks for the GOP U.S. Senate nomination but a state law requires a candidate’s two most recent primary votes align with their preferred party — a bar Rust doesn’t meet.
Rust voted Republican in 2016 and Democrat in 2012. The law allows an exception, should the county’s party chair grant it. Jackson County Republican Party Chair Amanda Lowery elected not to do so in this case.
He sued to gain access to the Republican ballot, saying the measure barred the vast majority of Hoosiers from running under their preferred party.
Marion County Superior Court Judge Patrick J. Dietrick found in December that the two-primary requirement is unconstitutional. But the state appealed, and the Indiana Supreme Court expedited the case as a matter of “significant public interest.”
Both the Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Election Commission separately found him ineligible in February rulings. The commission cited the law, which the Supreme Court upheld in a ruling — prompting Rust to file for a rehearing.
Previously, Rust vowed to appeal all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court but ballots are already printed and early voting is currently underway for the May primary. Election Day is May 7.
Lucas Oil named title partner of 500 Festival Parade
Applications open for new United Way of Central Indiana initiative to build community solutions
Utilities District of Western Indiana REMC announces increases over next three years
Fountain County man arrested on sex crime charges, Parke County investigation remains
Friday is National Wear Red Day
Vermillion County DCS worker facing felonies
One week left to file for office in Indiana
Bridge closures to impact State Road 42 over I-70 in Clay County
Road renaming resolution co-authored by Criswell to honor Bobby Knight passes House
Thrive West Central to host Utility Workshop
Greene Realty continues to grow
World Food Championships set for 2026 Indianapolis return
SW Parke Community Schools looking at Revision Project
NWS extends Winter Storm Warning to Monday morning
IDHS activates State Emergency Operations Center in response to winter storm
Scholarship Fund honors former Coach Blank
Winter Storm Watch in effect for the weekend, heavy snow possible
