On November 12, 2025, approximately 35 individuals interested in running for public office gathered at the Porter County Administration Building in Valparaiso, Indiana, to receive valuable insights from experienced officeholders. The session featured five local leaders, including Porter County Clerk Jessica Bailey and community development educator Gina Avila from Purdue Extension.
Bailey emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections, stating, “We have a very big ballot in 2026.” She highlighted the extensive list of offices that candidates must navigate, noting the challenges of fitting all necessary information on a single PowerPoint slide. The Porter County elections office is set to allow formal declarations of candidacy for both Republicans and Democrats, marking the beginning of an intensive campaign season.
Candidates must be aware of the numerous forms and deadlines required to avoid fines from the county Election Board. Bailey explained that failing to meet these requirements could lead to financial penalties, underscoring the importance of meticulous preparation.
Kenard Taylor, who assists candidates across all parties, offered practical advice on campaign finance, urging candidates not to serve as their own treasurer. “You don’t have the time to keep track of every dollar and nickel coming in and going out,” he stated. Taylor will also conduct a class focused on campaign finance, helping candidates understand the intricacies of managing their finances.
Avila led a discussion on campaign ethics, emphasizing the need for candidates to be mindful of their actions during the campaign. She advised disclosing donor information even when it falls below the minimum requirement to ensure transparency. Taylor reiterated the importance of ethical conduct, warning candidates against using campaign funds for personal expenses, stating, “If you do, you go to jail.”
Candidates were encouraged to practice their messaging and interactions with potential voters. Porter County Councilman Andy Bozak shared strategies for effective door-to-door campaigning, suggesting that candidates bring a child along as a friendly excuse to leave if conversations drift too far off topic. “You’ll see people out and about, and they’ll remember you,” he noted.
Valparaiso City Councilwoman Emilie Hunt highlighted the challenges of balancing campaign activities with personal responsibilities. As a full-time working mother, she opted for a robust social media campaign, which ultimately led to her election success. “Most people don’t want to be bothered after work,” she explained, advocating for a strategic approach to outreach.
The session also covered the importance of enlisting support from family and friends. Uldricks, the Republican Party chair, shared his experience of dedicating time to placing campaign signs and emphasized the value of community support. “Getting comfortable with that, I think, is definitely important,” he remarked.
Vazquez, who often canvasses with friends, highlighted the collaborative spirit essential for campaigning. She encouraged candidates to engage their networks actively, stating, “If people find out you’re interested in serving, and they believe in you, they’ll reach out to you.”
The officeholders also warned candidates about the potential pitfalls of campaigning. Taylor advised against using public resources for personal promotion, illustrating a scenario where a candidate poses in front of a sheriff’s office. He cautioned that the intent behind such actions could raise ethical concerns.
In conclusion, the gathering served as a vital resource for aspiring candidates, providing them with actionable advice and insights from seasoned politicians. With the primary elections approaching, candidates are urged to prepare diligently and engage meaningfully with their communities. As the political landscape evolves, the guidance shared during this session will undoubtedly shape the strategies of those seeking public office in Porter County and beyond.
