Dubois GOP Sets Jan. 31 Caucus to Fill Council District 2

The Dubois County Republican Party will hold a closed caucus at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at the Jasper Train Depot, 201 Mill St., to fill the vacancy in County Council, District 2. The vacancy opened after Councilman Ryan Craig was selected Jan. 22 to finish Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide’s term, creating the need for a successor to represent Bainbridge-area precincts.

Party Chair Amy L. Kippenbrock convened the caucus in accordance with the Rules of the Indiana Republican Party. The meeting itself will be closed to the public, though members of the media are invited to attend. The party has said it will release further information after the caucus concludes.

Eligibility and filing requirements are specific. Republicans who wish to be considered must reside in County Council, District 2 precincts: Bainbridge 2E, 2W, 3E, 4N, 4S, 5S, and 6S. Prospective candidates must complete Indiana forms CEB-5 and CAN-12 and submit the completed paperwork to Party Chair Amy L. Kippenbrock by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, a deadline set at 72 hours before the caucus. Forms are available on the Indiana Secretary of State website or by contacting Amy Kippenbrock at amykippenbrock.dcgop@gmail.com.

The District 2 seat carries the authority to cast votes on county budgets, tax levies, and local ordinances at County Council meetings. For Bainbridge residents and others in the specified precincts, the caucus will determine who represents their interests on matters such as county spending priorities, infrastructure projects, and local services until the next regular election cycle.

The caucus process concentrates decision-making within party precinct delegates and committee members, rather than a public primary or special election. That structure makes the filing deadline and precinct residency rules decisive for anyone aiming to be considered. Media access to the caucus provides an avenue for transparency, but the closed-door nature of the meeting limits direct public participation in the selection itself.

What comes next: interested Republicans in Bainbridge precincts should complete forms CEB-5 and CAN-12 and submit them to Amy L. Kippenbrock by 9:00 a.m. Jan. 28. The party will announce the outcome after the Jan. 31 caucus, at which point the newly selected councilor will assume the District 2 seat and participate in upcoming County Council business.