Judge Nathan Verkamp Announces Bid for Re-Election as Dubois Circuit Judge

Nathan Verkamp, the sitting judge of the 57th Judicial Circuit, has announced he will run for re-election to the Dubois Circuit Court, where he has presided since Jan. 1, 2015. The bid preserves an experienced incumbent in a court that handles the county’s major criminal and civil dockets, including homicide, burglary, divorce and child support enforcement.

Verkamp framed his campaign around experience and community ties. “I feel as if I am really hitting my stride as a trial judge, and I am excited to continue serving my fellow citizens,” Verkamp said. He added that he was “humbled by the overwhelming show of support that I received in my last election and hope voters continue to find me deserving of their support.” On his role in local safety and fairness, Verkamp said, “The promise I will make is to always work hard for the people of Dubois County. I live here and have a vested interest in making Dubois County the best and safest community possible. I will always strive to be fair, compassionate, and treat people with the dignity they deserve, yet be firm when required.”

Verkamp’s biography highlights a mix of military, legal and academic experience. He served more than four years in the U.S. Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson and completed a tour supporting Operation Desert Shield. After civilian work in manufacturing and farming, he earned a B.S. and a J.D. from Indiana University, ran a law practice in Jasper and taught criminal justice at Vincennes University’s Jasper campus. He is also a graduate of the Indiana Judicial College.

The court over which Verkamp presides is the chief trial court for Dubois County and shares jurisdiction with Dubois Superior Court in most matters. The Circuit Court handles adult and juvenile criminal cases, civil litigation, divorce, paternity and child support enforcement; traffic, small claims, probate and juvenile cases are handled separately in some instances. The Dubois Circuit Court operates from One Courthouse Square, Jasper, Indiana 47546, and can be reached at (812) 481-7020, by fax at (812) 481-7030 or by email at circuitcourt@duboiscountyin.org. Court reporters listed on the court page include Cindy Horney, Myra Schnell, Heather Schnaus and Lauren Musselwhite. Dubois County implemented mandatory e-filing on Aug. 25, 2017.

Verkamp’s initial election to the bench occurred Nov. 4, 2014, when he defeated Kevin D. Crouse with 58.3 percent of the vote after an uncontested Democratic primary on May 6, 2014. Local filing records for the 2026 election cycle list Brian Lucchi as a Republican candidate and Nathan Verkamp as a Democratic candidate for the Dubois Circuit Court in the May 5, 2026 primary; the filing period closed at noon on Feb. 6. Ballotpedia’s public record notes the 2014 term as expiring Dec. 31, 2020; local filings and party listings show Verkamp active in the 2026 cycle.

For residents, the race determines leadership of the county’s primary trial court and could affect case processing, sentencing patterns and court administration. Voters interested in candidate filings, voter registration or election procedures can contact the Dubois County Clerk’s Office for official records and next steps as the primary approaches.