OPINION: Indiana GOP Should Consider Grassroots When Selecting New Chair
by Johnny Kincaid December 6, 2024
When Randy Head stepped down from his job as chairman of the Indiana Republican Party this week, he left Governor-elect Mike Braun and the state party with a unique opportunity to build a vibrant, engaged party.
“We don’t need to build the party,” leadership might say, “Did you not see the election results?” While the party credited Head’s leadership for the wins in the election, I would contend that Indiana Republican candidates won despite the party leadership, not because of it. The momentum, excitement, and high voter turnout came from the very top of the ticket with the high interest in the presidential campaign. Donald Trump should get the lion’s share of credit for getting voters to the polls.
Braun and the Indiana GOP would be wise to embrace the movement that encouraged a record number of people to run for Precinct Committeeman and brought a wave of conservatives to the state GOP convention. The message these newly engaged party members sent was that they are tired of the top-down approach that keeps the party power centralized with a select committee of the upper class.
The grassroots have flexed their muscles as delegates at two Indiana GOP conventions. In 2022, the delegates voted to replace Governor Eric Holcomb’s Secretary of State, Holly Sullivan, with Diego Morales, and in 2024, the conservative delegates decided to pair Gubernatorial candidate Mike Braun with Lt. Governor candidate Micah Beckwith.
I wonder whether Braun and party leaders have been paying attention to the grassroots members or will they be tone-deaf to the voices of those who believe that power belongs in the hands of the people.
I suggest that the Indiana GOP look outside of the swamp and select a leader that can communicate with all sectors of the party. One such leader is Dubois County GOP Chair Jan Hicks. Right after the GOP convention, Hicks’ was considered for the position, and she should be considered again.
Hicks has the ability to communicate with all factions of the party. She conveys Republican ideals and obviously believes in the party platform. Communicating with a broad cross-section of the party is one of her strengths, whether talking to conservatives or moderates.
Unfortunately, political parties are set up to protect the status quo. The structure and rules are in place to keep the elites in power and keep people who should be in charge away from leadership rules. The swamp is alive and teeming with swamp creatures who will rule from above.
It’s up to Governor-elect Braun to make a recommendation that could transform the Republican Party and up to the state central committee to avoid the temptation to seek a leader who is part of the swamp.
