St. Joseph County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
30 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 17 St. Joseph County races, led by the St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney contest.
County offices
Prosecuting AttorneyAmy Suzanne Cressy (D) · John Michael Maciejczyk (R)
Amy Suzanne Cressy
Top priorities
- Believes an involved community is a safer community
- Campaigns on "justice through accountability," saying compassion and accountability are both necessary in the pursuit of justice
Per the campaign site.
About Amy Suzanne Cressy
A South Bend native who graduated from LaSalle High School in 1993, holds a journalism degree from Indiana University Bloomington and a law degree from IU Indianapolis, per Campaign site. Has worked in the St. Joseph County Prosecutor's Office since 2003, rising from intern to Chief Deputy Prosecutor and Chief of Staff in 2022, including four years embedded with the county's Drug Investigation Unit, per Campaign site. Outgoing Prosecutor Kenneth Cotter endorsed her candidacy when he announced he would not seek re-election, per WNDU, "St. Joseph County prosecutor announces retirement, endorses deputy".
John Michael Maciejczyk
A former St. Joseph County chief deputy prosecutor and assistant U.S. attorney, per WVPE, "St. Joseph County's GOP public safety candidates discuss Flock cameras, platforms". No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Amy Suzanne Cressy (Democratic), John Michael Maciejczyk (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026).
Full race pageCircuit Court ClerkStephanie Ball (D) · Amy Rolfes (R)
Stephanie Ball
Stephanie Ball is a product of South Bend's public schools, holding a BA in Sociology from Johns Hopkins University and a master's degree in Public Administration from Indiana University South Bend, per her campaign site. She has worked for the State of Indiana, the Housing Authority of South Bend, and the South Bend Heritage Foundation, focusing on foreclosure prevention strategies for families, per her campaign site. She previously served on the South Bend Community School Corporation Board of Trustees, per her campaign site.
Amy Rolfes
Amy Rolfes currently serves as the elected St. Joseph County Circuit Court Clerk, per her campaign site. She has a background in education, nonprofit leadership and small business, per her campaign site. She completed Ball State University's Certification in Election Administration, Technology and Security program and represented Indiana on an international election observation mission to Guatemala, per her campaign site.
Stephanie Ball (Democratic), Amy Rolfes (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Circuit Court Clerk, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026).
Full race pageAuditorAbby Doyle (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Abby Doyle
Abby Doyle is running for St. Joseph County Auditor. She currently serves as Chief Deputy Auditor for the county and holds a Master's in Accounting, per her campaign site. In 2024 she was appointed to a three-year term on the Government Finance Officers Association's Budget Committee, per her campaign site.
Abby Doyle (Republican) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Auditor, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). Indiana prints unopposed candidates.
Full race pageSheriffScott Ruszkowski (D) · Rod Laureys (R)
Scott Ruszkowski
Top priorities
- Making people the department's top priority
- Building community partnerships across public safety agencies
Per the campaign site.
About Scott Ruszkowski
Scott Ruszkowski currently serves as South Bend Police Chief, a position he has held for 11 years after joining the South Bend Police Department in 1988 and advancing through patrol, K9, SWAT, and Street Crimes units, per the campaign site. He is a U.S. Navy veteran and an FBI National Academy honors graduate, per the campaign site.
Rod Laureys
A former South Bend Police officer and military veteran, per WSBT, "SB Police Chief wins Democratic nomination for sheriff; faces Republican Rod Laureys". No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Scott Ruszkowski (Democratic), Rod Laureys (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Sheriff, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026).
Full race pageAssessorVictor Cummings (D) · Mike Castellon (R)
Victor Cummings
Victor Cummings appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Assessor, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Victor Cummings.
Mike Castellon
Mike Castellon appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Assessor, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Mike Castellon.
Victor Cummings (Democratic), Mike Castellon (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Assessor, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026).
Full race pageCommissioner, District 1Bill Redman (D) · Carl H. Baxmeyer (R)
Bill Redman
The sitting St. Joseph County sheriff, whose final term concludes at the end of the year; began his law enforcement career at the St. Joseph County Police Department in 1994 and was elected sheriff in 2018, per WNDU, "St. Joseph County Sheriff Bill Redman announces run for county commissioner". No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Carl H. Baxmeyer
The incumbent Republican St. Joseph County commissioner for District 1, per WNDU, "St. Joseph County Sheriff Bill Redman announces run for county commissioner". No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Bill Redman (Democratic), Carl H. Baxmeyer (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Commissioner, District 1, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026).
Full race pageCouncil, District AMike Hamann (D) · Joe Thomas (R)
Mike Hamann
Top priorities
- Supporting decent jobs and economic opportunity
- Affordable housing
- Quality local health care
Per the campaign site.
About Mike Hamann
Hamann is a South Bend native and Marian High School graduate who earned a bachelor's degree in history and master's degrees in American history and theology from the University of Notre Dame, per his campaign site. He spent four decades as a high school social studies and theology teacher, then served St. Joseph County residents for nearly two decades in county government, including as county commissioner, councilman and auditor, per his campaign site.
Joe Thomas
Thomas has owned and operated a small business for more than 30 years and is a longtime Michiana area resident, per his campaign site.
Mike Hamann (Democratic), Joe Thomas (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Council, District A, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026).
Full race pageCouncil, District BRanjan Rohatgi (D) · Amy Marie Drake (R)
Ranjan Rohatgi
Top priorities
- Wants to restore county focus on services residents depend on, including libraries, parks, recycling, and leaf pickup
- Believes the data center issue should be treated as a non-partisan issue
Per the campaign site.
About Ranjan Rohatgi
A math teacher who served on the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission, per WSBT, "St. Joseph County candidates discuss data center future". Says the closure of Portage Manor was a catalyst for his candidacy, per Campaign site.
Amy Marie Drake
The incumbent Republican St. Joseph County Council member for District B, per WNDU, "Amy Drake wins Republican primary in St. Joseph County Council District B". No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Ranjan Rohatgi (Democratic), Amy Marie Drake (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Council, District B, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026).
Full race pageCouncil, District CJan Cervelli (D) · James A O'Brien (R)
Jan Cervelli
Top priorities
- Practical relief on cost-of-living pressures, including housing, utilities and property taxes
- Planning growth around residents rather than projects
- Protecting local voice, trust and accountability
Per the campaign site.
About Jan Cervelli
Cervelli works as an urban planner, per her campaign site.
James A O'Brien
James A O'Brien appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Council, District C, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for James A O'Brien.
Jan Cervelli (Democratic), James A O'Brien (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Council, District C, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026).
Full race pageCouncil, District ELori A. Camp (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Lori A. Camp
Lori A. Camp appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Council, District E, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Lori A. Camp.
Lori A. Camp (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Council, District E, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). Indiana prints unopposed candidates.
Full race pageCouncil, District HBryan J. Tanner (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Bryan J. Tanner
Bryan J. Tanner appears on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Council, District H, per the county elections office's certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026; the official election filing is the only verifiable source for Bryan J. Tanner.
Bryan J. Tanner (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for St. Joseph County Council, District H, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). Indiana prints unopposed candidates.
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
St. Joseph County is split across 5 Indiana House districts.
Find your districts by addressIndiana House: 5 districtsDistricts 5, 6, 7, 8, 21
Indiana House District 5Alex Wait (D) · Dale DeVon (R)
Alex Wait
Top priorities
- Housing affordability near top-performing school districts
- Childcare costs for new parents
- State government accountability
Per the campaign site.
About Alex Wait
Alex Wait is the Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 5 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list. Is a 25-year resident of Granger, Indiana who attended Penn-Harris-Madison schools, graduated from Xavier University, and earned a master's degree from King's College London, per campaign site. Works as a scriptwriter for a YouTube channel with nearly two million subscribers, per campaign site.
Dale DeVon
Dale DeVon is the Republican candidate for Indiana House District 5 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list. Dale DeVon is a sitting member for the district, per the General Assembly caucus rosters. DeVon is a home builder who founded DeVon Custom Homes in 1995 and serves as a state and national director of the Home Builders Association, per the Indiana House Republicans caucus profile. He has represented House District 5 in Granger and St. Joseph County since being elected to the General Assembly in 2012, per the same profile. He chairs the House Family, Children and Human Affairs Committee, per the caucus profile. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Alex Wait (Democratic), Dale DeVon (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Indiana House District 5; Dale DeVon is the sitting member, per the General Assembly caucus rosters. Democratic and Republican nominees were chosen at the May 5 primary; Libertarian nominees at the party's convention. The field is the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIndiana House District 6Maureen Bauer (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Maureen Bauer
Top priorities
- Bipartisan legislation, having authored three bills signed into law
Per Indiana House Democratic Caucus profile.
About Maureen Bauer
Maureen Bauer is the incumbent state representative for Indiana House District 6, per the campaign site. Bauer, first elected in 2020, has authored bipartisan legislation on PFAS monitoring for firefighters and vacant housing remediation.
Maureen Bauer (Democratic) is on the November 3 ballot for Indiana House District 6; Maureen Bauer is the sitting member, per the General Assembly caucus rosters. Democratic and Republican nominees were chosen at the May 5 primary; Libertarian nominees at the party's convention. The field is the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot. Maureen Bauer is the only candidate on the ballot for this seat; unopposed candidates still appear on Indiana ballots, so the race is on the November 3 ballot but is not contested.
Full race pageIndiana House District 7Oliver Davis (D) · Jake Teshka (R)
Oliver Davis
Oliver Davis is the Democratic candidate for House District 7, which covers South Bend's west side and parts of western and southern St. Joseph County. He currently serves on the South Bend Common Council, in his second term, and has previously sought the office of South Bend mayor, according to 95.3 MNC. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Jake Teshka
Top priorities
- Conservative Statehouse representation for the district's families and communities
Per the campaign site.
About Jake Teshka
Jake Teshka represents House District 7, covering parts of LaPorte, Marshall and St. Joseph counties. He was elected in 2020 and previously served on the South Bend Common Council, according to the Indiana House Republican Caucus. His campaign site describes him as a conservative voice for the district focused on Hoosier values.
Oliver Davis (Democratic), Jake Teshka (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Indiana House District 7; Jake Teshka is the sitting member, per the General Assembly caucus rosters. Democratic and Republican nominees were chosen at the May 5 primary; Libertarian nominees at the party's convention. The field is the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIndiana House District 8Ryan M Dvorak (D) · Eric Harris (R)
Ryan M Dvorak
Ryan Dvorak represents Indiana House District 8, covering South Bend and northern St. Joseph County, per the Indiana House Democratic Caucus. He previously served as a senior aide to Congressman Tim Roemer and holds a law degree from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law, per the caucus profile. He was first elected to the Indiana House in 2002 and is recognized as a legislative expert on renewable energy policy, per the caucus profile. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Eric Harris
Eric Harris is the Republican candidate for Indiana House District 8 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Ryan M Dvorak (Democratic), Eric Harris (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Indiana House District 8; Ryan M Dvorak is the sitting member, per the General Assembly caucus rosters. Democratic and Republican nominees were chosen at the May 5 primary; Libertarian nominees at the party's convention. The field is the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIndiana House District 21Charles Burkley (D) · Timothy Wesco (R)
Charles Burkley
Charles Burkley is the Democratic candidate for Indiana House District 21 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Timothy Wesco
Timothy Wesco is the Republican candidate for Indiana House District 21 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list. Timothy Wesco is a sitting member for the district, per the General Assembly caucus rosters. Wesco is pastor of Calvary Baptist Church of Elkhart, per the Indiana House Republicans caucus profile. He has represented House District 21, covering parts of Elkhart and St. Joseph counties, since 2010, per the same profile. He chairs the House Elections and Apportionment Committee, per the caucus profile. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Charles Burkley (Democratic), Timothy Wesco (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Indiana House District 21; Timothy Wesco is the sitting member, per the General Assembly caucus rosters. Democratic and Republican nominees were chosen at the May 5 primary; Libertarian nominees at the party's convention. The field is the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageIndiana Senate District 11Gabrianna Gratzol (D) · Brian S. Schmutzler (R)
Gabrianna Gratzol
Top priorities
- Supporting public education
- Strengthening workers' protections
- Making life more affordable for Hoosiers
Per the campaign site.
About Gabrianna Gratzol
Gratzol works full time in a plastics manufacturing plant and has previously worked with teenagers in residential mental-health treatment and provided support services for children with autism and their families, per the campaign site. She is a founding board member of a nonprofit for left-leaning firearm owners focused on safety and responsible legislation, per the campaign site.
Brian S. Schmutzler
Top priorities
- Property taxes
- Energy and gas costs
- Healthcare costs
Per the WSBT.
About Brian S. Schmutzler
Brian S. Schmutzler is the Republican candidate for Indiana Senate District 11 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Gabrianna Gratzol (Democratic), Brian S. Schmutzler (Republican) are on the November 3 ballot for Indiana Senate District 11. Not on the November ballot: Linda Rogers, the sitting member per the roster. Democratic and Republican nominees were chosen at the May 5 primary; Libertarian nominees at the party's convention. The field is the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageSee your full ballot
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Verify your ballot with the official election office.
Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
Indiana Democratic and Republican nominees were chosen at the May 5 primary (plurality, no runoffs); Libertarian nominees at the party's convention and the statewide offices at the party state conventions. The field is the Secretary of State's 2026 general election candidate list (updated August 27, 2026). Indiana prints unopposed candidates; declared write-in candidates are counted but their names never print.
Who is on the ballot in St. Joseph County, Indiana on November 3, 2026?
St. Joseph County sample ballot 2026: see where the prosecuting attorney, circuit court clerk and county sheriff candidates stand on housing and the budget. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in Indiana?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Indiana are listed on the Indiana election hub. Indiana election hub →
How do I see my exact St. Joseph County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Sample ballot by ZIP code in St. Joseph County20 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.