X Poll Shocker: Voters Tell John Schmitz to Take a Hike

Picture of Perennial Candidate John Schmitz

A recent poll conducted on X by John Schmitz, a perennial candidate and controversial figure within the Marion County Republican Party, has exposed deep divisions between Schmitz and GOP members. The poll, posted by Schmitz himself, asked followers whether he should remain in the party or leave amid what he described as mistreatment by the local GOP establishment. The results, with 54% voting for him to leave and 44% urging him to stay and hold the party accountable, underscore growing frustration with Schmitz’s role in the organization.

Schmitz’s X post read, “The @IndyGOP has disrespected and abused me to the point where I am questioning if I belong to a group that behaves in this manner? Your opinion matters to me please help me with my discernment and participate in the poll.” The poll’s outcome, while not a formal vote, suggests that a majority of respondents—likely including many local GOP members and observers—believe Schmitz’s time with the party should come to an end.

A History of Electoral Defeats

John Schmitz is no stranger to political battles, though victories have eluded him. In 2019, he ran for mayor of Indianapolis as an independent but was removed from the ballot, a setback that set the tone for his subsequent campaigns. Schmitz also ran for the Indiana State House twice, losing both times, and made a bid for Congress in 2024, where he secured a respectable 28% of the vote but still fell short. Most recently, in March 2025, Schmitz vied for the chairmanship of the Marion County GOP but was defeated, further straining his relationship with the party’s leadership.

His string of losses has become a point of jest among some observers. One X user quipped, “John Schmitz is trying to get more losses than the Chicago Bears,” a nod to the NFL team’s struggles. While said in jest, the comment reflects a broader sentiment that Schmitz’s repeated electoral failures and contentious presence may be wearing thin on the GOP base.

Tensions with the Marion County GOP

Schmitz’s poll and accompanying post point to a deeper rift with the Marion County GOP, which he accuses of disrespect and abuse. While Schmitz did not elaborate on specific incidents in his post, his history of challenging the party’s establishment likely fuels the animosity. His independent mayoral run and frequent criticism of GOP insiders have positioned him as an outsider within his own party, a dynamic that appears to have reached a boiling point.

The poll results, thoughArizona notice that Schmitz is a polarizing figure. Those voting for him to stay likely see him as a principled fighter willing to challenge a party they view as drifting from conservative values. However, the majority—54%—seem ready for Schmitz to move on, possibly viewing his persistent campaigns and public disputes as a liability for party unity and electoral success.

What’s Next for Schmitz?

The X poll is not binding, but it serves as a barometer of Schmitz’s standing within the Marion County GOP. For now, Schmitz has not announced whether he will heed the majority’s call to leave or double down on his efforts to reform the party from within. His history suggests he’s not one to back down easily, but with mounting losses and a clear message from the X community, Schmitz faces a critical juncture.

As the 2026 election cycle looms, Schmitz’s next move will likely stir further debate. Will he launch another campaign, perhaps as an independent again, or seek to mend fences with the GOP? For now, the X poll has spoken, and it’s clear that many in Marion County are ready to see John Schmitz exit stage left.