By HOLLY GASKILL
Less than a week remains to file for the primary election on May 7, and the Wells County ballot is filling out.
The candidate filing deadline is noon Feb. 9, and there are currently no locally contested races as of 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2.
Commissioners Blake Gerber (District 2) and Jeff Stringer (District 1), both Republicans, have filed for their current seats on the Board of Commissioners. County Council members Vicki Andrews (R), Seth Whicker (R) and Scott Ezley (R) have also filed for their current At-Large seats.
There are several shifting elected positions within the county as current Recorder Carolyn Bertsch, Treasurer Kathy Peeper and Coroner Hilarie Gaskill have reached their term limits. Rina Stuck (R) has filed for recorder, Pam Gregory (R) for treasurer and Cliff Thomas (R) for coroner.
State Rep. Matt Lehman (R) is the only candidate filed for District 70. Incumbent State Rep. Lorissa Sweet (R) is challenged by Rob Miller in District 50. Joseph Swisher (D) has also filed for District 50.
For the 3rd District U.S. Representative seat, GOP candidates are Grant Bucher, Wendy Davis, Mike Felker, Jon Kenworthy, Tim Smith, Marlin Stutzman, Eric Whalen and Andy Zay; Democratic candidates are Kiley Adolph and Phil Goss.
Jim Banks (R) and Valerie McCray (D) have filed for senator.
All gubernatorial candidates filed currently are Republicans — Mike Braun, Suzanne Crouch, Eric Doden and Curtis Hill.
President Joe Biden (D) and Donald Trump (R) are registered for the presidential race.
holly@news-banner.com
