GOP has several contested primaries for county offices

Feb. 3—ANDERSON — The Republican Party has contested races in the May 7 primary for several county offices and one state race.

Filing for the primary election ends at noon Friday at the Madison County Clerk's office.

Incumbent Commissioner John Richwine filed this week for a seventh term on the board in District 3.

Richwine is being opposed by first-time candidate Lisa Rinker.

There are three candidates seeking the party's nomination for the District 2 seat on the Board of County Commissioners.

Incumbent Republican Darlene Likens had not filed for a second term as of Friday.

County Auditor Rick Gardner is seeking the nomination against local attorney Devin Norrick. This past week, community activist Marquest Higgins filed for the nomination.

Higgins lost a bid last November for the District 6 seat on the Anderson City Council to incumbent Democrat Joe Newman.

Democrat Ollie H. Dixon, a current member of the Anderson City Council, has filed for the party's nomination in the district. Dixon lost to Likens in 2020.

There are four Republicans running for three at-large seats on the Madison County Council.

Incumbent Mikeal Vaughn is running for a second term and is joined on the primary ballot by Kristi Grabowski, Jason Turner and Carl Abel.

Incumbents Anthony Emery and Ben Gale have not filed for another term. Emery is not expected to seek re-election.

Local businessman Ken Kocinski has filed for the Republican Party nomination for Madison County surveyor. He is running against Charles Shepherd.

Shepherd is the son of current surveyor Tom Shepherd, who is not seeking re-election.

Three Republicans have filed for the nomination in House District 53, which includes the Pendleton area.

Incumbent Republican Bob Cherry is not seeking re-election.

Seeking the nomination are Brian Evans, Ethan Lawson and Kevin Mandrell.

Nate Anderson is seeking the Democratic Party nomination in District 53.

Incumbent Republican Madison Circuit Court Division 3 Judge Andrew Hopper is running for a second term. No Democrat has filed for the office.

Follow Ken de la Bastide on Twitter @KendelaBastide, or call 765-640-4863.