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Indianapolis, IN – March 1, 2025 – In a hard-fought battle for the soul of the Marion County Republican Party, Natalie Goodwin has emerged victorious, securing the coveted position of GOP Chairman. The race, which pitted Goodwin against longtime party fixture John Schmitz, concluded with Goodwin’s decisive win, marking a new chapter for Republicans in the heart of Indiana. Incumbent Joe Elsener, who had led the party since 2021, chose not to seek reelection, paving the way for this contentious showdown.
Natalie Goodwin 282- John Schmitz 142
Total of registered Precinct Committee members showed up to vote 424.
Goodwin, a familiar name to Marion County conservatives, campaigned on a platform of revitalizing the local GOP with fresh energy and a back-to-basics approach. “It’s time to get serious about winning elections again,” Goodwin declared in her victory speech. “We’ve got to stop the liberal slide in Indianapolis and start fighting for the values that made this country great—limited government, personal responsibility, and strong families.” Her message resonated with precinct committee members who’ve grown frustrated with the party’s recent electoral setbacks, including the Democrats’ 19-5 supermajority on the Indianapolis City-County Council.
John Schmitz, a respected figure with deep roots in the community, ran a spirited campaign emphasizing his experience and steady leadership. Having previously run for the chairmanship in 2021 and served as a candidate for state house District 97, Schmitz positioned himself as the “traditional Republican” choice. “We don’t need flashy gimmicks; we need someone who knows this county and can unify us,” he argued during the race. Despite strong support from grassroots activists who admired his longevity and principles, Schmitz couldn’t overcome Goodwin’s momentum.
Joe Elsener’s decision not to run again surprised some insiders, given his relatively young tenure and ties to Governor Eric Holcomb’s political machine. Elsener, elected in 2021 with nearly 75% of the vote, had focused on rebuilding the party after a string of losses, but critics pointed to persistent challenges—like the GOP’s shrinking council presence—as evidence of unfinished business. His exit opened the door for a fresh face, and Goodwin seized the opportunity.
Goodwin’s win didn’t come without drama. Rumors swirled in the weeks leading up to the vote about a last-minute entry by Matthew Huckleby, a political operative tied to the establishment wing. Sources suggested Huckleby’s potential candidacy was a response to Goodwin’s slipping poll numbers, but he ultimately stayed out, leaving the race a two-horse contest. Some precinct members even accused party elites of trying to “install” a preferred candidate, echoing frustrations from 2021 when Elsener’s landslide was seen as a top-down affair. “This ain’t the Democrats—we don’t coronate people like they did with Biden and Harris,” one committee member quipped.
What set Goodwin apart? Her campaign leaned heavily on her background in communications and her work with Indiana’s congressional Republicans, like Senator Todd Young. She pitched herself as a bridge between the party’s base and its professional class, promising to boost fundraising and voter turnout. “Natalie’s got the grit and the know-how to turn this ship around,” said a supporter from District 4, where Goodwin previously ran for City-County Council in 2023, narrowly losing to Democrat Nick Roberts.
Schmitz’s camp, while gracious in defeat, hinted at concerns about Goodwin’s ties to the party’s more moderate factions. “John represented the heart of what it means to be a Republican here—Natalie’s got some proving to do,” one backer said. Still, Goodwin wasted no time extending an olive branch, pledging to unite the party ahead of critical 2026 midterms. “This isn’t about me—it’s about us taking back Marion County from the radical left,” she said.
As Chairman, Goodwin inherits a party at a crossroads. Marion County, home to Indiana’s capital, has trended blue in recent years, with Democrats dominating local races. The GOP’s challenge is steep: claw back influence in a city where urban priorities—crime, infrastructure, and economic growth—often clash with conservative orthodoxy. Goodwin’s first test will be rallying Republicans for the upcoming municipal elections and proving she can deliver where her predecessors fell short.
For now, conservatives in Indianapolis are buzzing with cautious optimism. Natalie Goodwin’s clinched the chairmanship, but the real fight—for the future of the Marion County GOP—is just beginning. Time will tell if she’s the leader to bring home the wins Republicans crave.