By JESSICA BRICKER
Above, Laura Roberts speaks to the crowd at Republican headquarters Tuesday after winning the party’s nomination for county assessor. She is currently a deputy in the office.
At right, Sheriff Scott Holliday speaks to the crowd after securing the party’s nomination for re-election. (Photos by Jessica Bricker)
Republican nominations for the fall’s general election have been secured — including a couple for re-election — following Tuesday’s primary in Wells County.
Wells County’s voter turnout was 22.95 percent as 4,390 voters cast their ballots.
Sheriff Scott Holliday beat an in-party challenge by a deputy in the department, Ryan Mounsey, by a vote of 2,365 to 1,600.
Addressing the crowd gathered at the Republican Party headquarters after the votes were tallied, Holliday said he looked forward to what was next, citing a campaign where they worked hard going door to door.
“It was amazing to get out there and talk to people and see the community from your feet versus being out and talking to people otherwise,” he said.
It was an exhausting process, he added.
“I’m proud of what we did,” Holliday said. “We stuck to relevant issues, what we’ve done, where we want to go, and we stuck with that plan and I hold true to that and that’s what I’ll continue to do moving forward, and I’m excited for that.”
Laura Roberts, currently a deputy assessor, beat incumbent Kelly Herman by a vote of 2,288 to 1,269.
“Thank you guys for all your support,” Roberts said. “I look forward to being your new assessor.”
Rep. Matt Lehman, R-Berne, received 2,364 votes in Wells County to Russ Mounsey’s 1,375.
“Thank you, Wells County,” Lehman said after the results were in. “It’s been the honor of my lifetime to serve this county. The 79th District is fantastic. We’re doing very well in Adams County as well, same as Jay. It’s just great to see people engaged.”
Brian Lambert defeated Mike Mossburg for the Republican nomination to the Wells County Council for District 1. Incumbent Jim Oswalt did not run for re-election. Lambert earned 765 votes to Mossburg’s 504.
Lambert thanked Mossburg for being a good opponent. Lambert said he looked forward to the opportunity to serve and bringing a farmer’s voice to the council.
Rep. Dan Leonard, R-Huntington, who represents Jackson Township, lost the party’s nomination for re-election to Lorissa Sweet of Wabash. He was seeking his 11th term.
Leonard actually defeated Sweet in Jackson Township by a count of 75 to 71.
jessica@news-banner.com
