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Indianapolis, Indiana - March 5th, 2025 9:02am EST
John Schmitz, a perennial political candidate in Indiana, has once again found himself on the losing end of an election—this time in his bid for Marion County GOP Chairman. Following his latest defeat, Schmitz unleashed a rapid-fire rant that has raised eyebrows and sparked concern among local Republicans and voters alike. In a bizarre twist, he threatened to "expose" individuals on a mysterious list, vowing to come after those who didn’t support his candidacy, before reportedly blocking people on social media after allegedly misleading them with promises or claims. For a man who has built a reputation as a serial candidate, this outburst might just be the latest chapter in a long saga of electoral futility.
Schmitz’s political resume reads like a laundry list of losses. He’s run for State Representative twice and come up short both times. He threw his hat in the ring for Mayor of Indianapolis in 2019 as an independent, only to be sidelined when the Marion County Election Board rejected his petition signatures, keeping him off the ballot. Undeterred, he aimed higher, running for Congress in Indiana’s 7th Congressional District in 2024, where he was trounced by incumbent Democrat André Carson by a wide margin. Even within his own party, Schmitz has struggled to gain traction—he ran for Chairman of the Marion County GOP in 2021 and lost, a result that repeated itself in his most recent attempt in 2025.
Critics argue that Schmitz simply isn’t up to the task. “John couldn’t win a dog catcher race if he tried,” one local GOP insider quipped, speaking on condition of anonymity. “He’s got enthusiasm, sure, but no strategy, no broad appeal, and no ability to close the deal.” His latest outburst only reinforces this perception, painting a picture of a candidate more focused on settling scores than building a coalition.
Details of Schmitz’s rant remain murky, as he reportedly took to social media to vent his frustrations before locking down his accounts and blocking users who questioned him. Sources familiar with the incident claim he accused unnamed individuals of betraying him, hinting at a list of people he intends to “expose” for their lack of support. “He said he’s coming after everyone who didn’t vote for him,” one observer recounted. “Then he started blocking people left and right—people he’d apparently lied to about what he’d do if he won.” The exact nature of these alleged lies remains unclear, but the episode has left many in the Marion County GOP shaking their heads.
Schmitz’s history suggests a pattern of ambition outpacing achievement. His 2019 mayoral bid, for instance, showcased his determination but also his inability to navigate the system. Despite collecting over 8,000 signatures—well above the 6,106 required—the Marion County Election Board disqualified enough of them to keep him off the ballot, a decision he unsuccessfully challenged in court. His congressional run in 2024 was equally lopsided, with Carson securing a decisive victory in a district that has long favored Democrats. Even in GOP primaries, Schmitz has failed to rally significant support, losing out to more established figures within the party.
So what drives John Schmitz to keep running, only to lash out when the inevitable losses pile up? Some speculate it’s a mix of stubbornness and a belief in his own outsider narrative. A masonry contractor by trade, Schmitz has often positioned himself as a grassroots advocate, railing against career politicians and promising hands-on leadership. Yet his rhetoric—coupled with his post-election tantrums—suggests a man more consumed by personal grievances than a coherent vision for leadership.
The Marion County GOP, already navigating its own challenges in a Democratic-leaning urban area, hardly needed this distraction. Party members are now left to wonder if Schmitz’s threats are empty bluster or a sign of more chaos to come. “He’s not helping himself or anyone else,” said a local Republican activist. “If he’s got a list, let’s see it. Otherwise, he’s just yelling into the void—and blocking anyone who dares to call him out.”
As of now, Schmitz has gone quiet, leaving his social media followers and detractors alike speculating about his next move. Will he make good on his promise to “expose” his enemies? Or will this be yet another footnote in a political career defined by defeat? One thing is certain: John Schmitz’s latest loss—and the rant that followed—won’t soon be forgotten in Marion County. Whether that’s a legacy he intended remains to be seen.