Putnam County races go to Republicans

While there were no contested local races on the general election ballot in Putnam County Tuesday, it was still a huge night for the Republican Party, as Republicans carried the President, Governor and Attorney General races, as well as the Statehouse and federal races. All came in overwhelming fashion for the Republican Party.

"As County Chairman, I couldn't be more proud of Putnam County. With Republicans winning every single position on the ballot, our community has made a clear, resounding statement about the direction we believe this country should head," Putnam County Republican Chairman Beau Baird told The Putnam County Post. 

Baird said the "overwhelming support" reflected a shared commitment to strong leadership, conservative values and a vision for a brighter future. 

"Thank you to everyone who voted and to all our candidates for their dedication. Together, we are setting the course for a brighter tomorrow," Baird said. 

For president, Donald Trump defeated Democrat Kamala Harris, 12,566 votes to 3,871 or 74.95 percent to 23.09 percent. 

Republican Jim Banks defeated Democrat Valerie McCray and Libertarian Andrew Horning, earning 11,918 votes or 74.39 percent of the vote. McCray garnered 3,572 votes or 22.29 percent. 

In the Governor's race, Mike Braun defeated Democrat Jennifer McCormick by a margin of 10,675 to 4,138 or 65.94 percent to 25.56 percent. 

Incumbent Todd Rokita carried Putnam County in the Attorney General's race, defeating Destiny Wells by a margin of 12,018 to 4,197 or 74.12 percent to 25.88 percent. 

U.S. Representative Jim Baird is headed back to Washington D.C. after defeating Democratic challenger Derrick Holder by a margin of 12,045 to 3,474 or 73.85 percent to 21.3 percent. 

"Thank you to the Hoosiers of the 4th District. I am honored to have your trust and the opportunity to continue taking your voice to Washington. Together, we will keep working to strengthen our communities, uphold our shared values, and make America great," Congressman Baird told The Putnam County Post. 

County Races go to Republicans

The fact that Republicans would win all the county races on the ballot was not a surprise, as there were no challenges from the Democratic Party. 

Kristina Berish was re-elected as the Putnam County Auditor, while Karrie Minor retains her seat as Treasurer. Todd Zeiner was re-elected as Coroner, while Andy Beck won the Putnam County Commissioner District 1 seat and Tom Helmer won re-election to the Putnam County Commissioner District 3 seat. 

For Putnam County Council At-Large, political newcomer Amanda Brown was the top vote getter, earning 7,799 votes, while fellow political newcomer Kerry Williams earned 6,564 and incumbent Stephanie Campbell earned 6,840 votes.

Brown told The Putnam County Post she was ready to serve the constituents beginning in January. 

"It is surreal. This is something that I have worked so hard for and know I can do amazing things. I am going to go in, see how the system works, observe and advocate for change where change is needed. It's time to put Putnam County on the map," Brown told The Putnam County Post. 

While there were no contested races, Putnam County Democratic Chair Vincent Aguirre told The Putnam County Post he was proud of the work the party did leading up to the election. 

"I am proud of the work that has been done around the county and I am excited to keep putting in the work to make sure Putnam County residents are represented at all levels of government," Aguirre said.