On Tuesday’s Midterm election, the Republican turnout for straight-ticket voting was much higher than straight ticket Democrats.
Republicans showed up at 57.57 percent, compared to Democrats’ 41.76 percent for straight ticket voting. Overall, voter turnout was just under 35-percent for this election.
Such a margin can be seen all over the election results.
District 76 State Representative Wendy McNamara was reelected to her seat.
“It's exciting to see the enthusiasm and excitement,” she said. “So, you know, it gives me hope that going forward, we can make a huge difference in the state of Indiana, continue to make the same progress that we've always made.”
McNamara said she wants to work on protecting law enforcement in a couple different ways — such as creating a legal perimeter around an investigation scene, and providing easier access to criminal records that could protect them in a traffic stop.
“Unless their local community dispatch is familiar with that particular individual, they don't know if they're a violent felon,” she said. “They don't know if they have a (history of) domestic violence or if they even don't like police officers.”
Republicans Tim O’Brien and Jim Raben also defended their State Representative and County Council seats from challenger Democrats.
O’Brien won over Democrat Jason Salstrom with more than 62 percent of the vote. He was first appointed to the seat in March of 2021 by a private party caucus.
“My goals are attracting and retaining talent, improving our infrastructure, protecting and supporting our first responders, and protecting and supporting our military,” he said.
He also wants to focus on another round of Ready Grants which aid in certificate programs at community colleges.
Jim Raben will keep his County Council District One seat after defeating Karen Reising.
“Let's concentrate on public safety, good roads, good streets,” he said. “Designing a new extension to the jail. Expanding court space.”
He also mentioned work on I-69 and the developing rural broadband project.
“That's the most exciting piece of what we're doing.”
8th District US Representative Dr. Larry Bucshon held onto his seat, as did U.S. Senator Todd Young.
Bucshon says he’ll use his next term to fight for conservative ideals such as support for police and border control.