Meet your 2026 Democratic candidates!
St. Joseph County Democrats are well-positioned to win local elections up and down the ballot in 2026. Building upon our strong countywide roster of current elected Democrats, we are recruiting candidates who will champion working-class values and fight for policies that make life more affordable for our families.
But first we must nominate our candidates!
The deadline for Democratic candidates to file for the Indiana 2026 primary election is Friday, February 6, 2026, 12:00pm. We will update this page as more Democrats announce in 2026!
Primary Day is Tuesday, May 5, 2026!
Countywide candidates:
Stephanie Ball for Clerk of the Circuit Court
“We need a Clerk with real-life, lived experience who can lead with empathy and attention to detail. Too many of our neighbors are living paycheck-to-paycheck and are one bad day away from small claims court or an eviction or foreclosure notice. As Clerk, we will be efficient and transparent, while also remembering the human side of dealing with our court system.”
“And, when it comes to administering our county’s election, our rule will be expansion, not contraction. Our democracy thrives when voting rights are protected and voting locations are plentiful.” — Stephanie Ball
Amy Cressy for Prosecutor
Amy Cressy is a proud South Bend native who graduated from LaSalle High School in 1993. She went on to become a double Hoosier with degrees in Journalism from IU-Bloomington and law from IU-Indianapolis.
“I want to keep our focus on violent crimes and putting our dedication and our resources into that… You have lower-level, non-violent offenses … We can give them an opportunity to put the work in and do better… We can encourage them to do that and maybe keep them out of the system with our diversion programs and deferral programs…” — St. Joseph County chief deputy prosecutor seeks Democratic nomination, South Bend Tribune
Vic Cummings for Assessor
Vic Cummings is deeply rooted into the fabric and soul of our community… and on the west side of South Bend, Vic is known as Coach Cummings. For the past ten years, he has coached high school football and has served as the Washington High School offensive coordinator for the past three seasons.
“Every year the bureaucrats in Indianapolis — led by Gov. Mike Braun — set stricter, more complicated rules aimed at breaking the will of the property owner. We need a County Assessor with deep roots in our community who will help property owners get a fair deal out of Indianapolis. We will aim to coach everyone who needs help combatting the red tape at the Capitol.” — Vic Cummings
Scott Ruszkowski for Sheriff — Primary Tuesday, May 5th
“… South Bend Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski is running for St. Joseph County Sheriff… Ruszkowski joined SBPD in 1988, the department's website says, and he is a U.S. Navy veteran. He's served as chief since October 2015 and was an honors graduate of the FBI National Academy…” — South Bend Chief Ruszkowski files St. Joseph County Sheriff candidacy, South Bend Tribune
Earl Wigfall for Sheriff — Primary Tuesday, May 5th
“… Earl Wigfall, currently a Lieutenant with the County Police, formally announced his candidacy… ‘My law enforcement career started in Indianapolis. I started there working for the Indianapolis Public Schools Police, where I became an FTO. I was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Then I returned home, here in South Bend, in 2001. I started working for the St. Joseph County Police, and I've been there to this current date. So you talk about 24 years here on this department’…" — Lieutenant Earl Wigfall announces candidacy for St. Joseph County Sheriff, WSBT
Bill Redman for County Commissioner (District 1)
“For more than three decades, it has been my honor to serve and protect the citizens of this county. As I prepare to retire from law enforcement, my commitment to this community is as strong as ever. That’s why I am announcing my candidacy for County Commissioner.”
“My priorities will be leading with professionalism and integrity, maintaining strong support for our police and fire departments, and ensuring our roads are better maintained. That includes more efficient and reliable snow removal, so residents can travel safely year-round.” — Bill Redman
Candidates for County Council:
Mike Hamann (District A)
High school social studies teacher and former County Auditor Mike Hamann is challenging incumbent Republican Joe Thomas for District A.
“… We’ve endured our St. Joseph County Council ignoring the needs of our neighbors — like decent jobs, affordable housing and quality local health care — while instead parroting the same mindless, performative and cruel MAGA policies of the Trump regime. Our family could no longer turn a blind eye. We had to act. That’s why I am running…” — Mike Hamann
Ranjan Rohatgi (District B)
Math teacher Ranjan Rohatgi is challenging MAGA extremist Councilwoman Amy Drake in District B.
“We need a council that prioritizes our well-being and helps ensure the safety of all of us who live in the County, not one that is mired in the political polarization that’s taken over national politics.” — Ranjan Rohatgi
Jan Cervelli (District C)
Education leader Jan Cervelli is challenging incumbent County Council President Dan Schaetzle (R—“not in good standing”).
“Our county is facing major challenges of affordability, access to health care, and public safety, among others and is in need of purposeful leadership to guide it into a positive future.” — Jan Cervelli
Lori Camp (District E) — Primary Tuesday, May 5th
Lori Camp is running for the seat currently held by Councilwoman Diana Hess who is retiring after four terms.
“… This seat is critical to hold if we’re going to reverse the damage done by the MAGA faction currently on the County Council. I’m honored by Diana’s trust and ready to do the hard work needed to restore common sense, fiscal responsibility, and real representation to our local government…” — Lori Camp
Dave Thomas (District E) — Primary Tuesday, May 5th
Dave Thomas is a former St. Joseph County Commissioner.
Bryan Tanner (District H)
Bryan Tanner currently serves as the St. Joseph County Council president. He brings a unique combination of technical expertise and deep community roots to his role representing St. Joseph County Council District H, which encompasses much of Mishawaka’s core neighborhoods and all of River Park in South Bend. Since being sworn into office in December 2022, Bryan has demonstrated his commitment to practical, people-first solutions that strengthen our community.
Township candidates:
Jason Critchlow for Portage Township Trustee
I’ve made it my mission to deliver real results for the people who live in our township, whether that means expanding access to food, improving housing conditions, supporting seniors, or stepping up in times of crisis. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together so far, and I look forward to continuing our work to improve the lives of everyone in Portage Township. — Jason Critchlow
Democratic candidates for Secretary of State:
Our nominee for Secretary of State will be decided at the Indiana Democratic Party's 2026 State Convention, Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Indiana Marriott Downtown and the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. We have two fantastic candidates vying for the nomination — Beau Bayh and Blythe Potter:
Jamee Decio for Congress
Elkhart native Jamee Decio is seeking the Democratic Party’s nomination to challenge MAGA Republican Rep. Rudy Yakym in the 2nd Congressional District.
Gabrianna Gratzol for State Senate
Working-class champion Gabrianna Gratzol is demanding a living wage of $15 per hour and prioritizing strong labor unions and affordable healthcare in her challenge against MAGA incumbent State Sen. Linda Rogers in the 11th District.