Alexander files for council

A third candidate has added his name to the list of those hoping to join Jay County Council.

Bryan Alexander filed Friday to run for a Republican nomination for a Jay County Council at-large seat in the May primary.

The only other recent new filing was by Republican Lenny Muhlenkamp for Wabash precinct committeeman.

A Portland resident, Alexander joins incumbent Matt Minnich and Ryan Wellman in running for the GOP nomination for three at-large seats on Jay County Council. (Other incumbents are Jeanne Houchins and Dave Haines.)

Alexander previously served two terms on Jay School Board. He lost to Chad Aker in the 2022 Republican primary for the nomination for county commissioner in the middle district.

Contested races so far for the May primary are all on the GOP side of the ballot:

•Doug Horn versus Mike Leonhard for the north district commissioner nomination

•Jon Eads against Jonelle Foreman for county treasurer

•Incumbent J.D. Prescott against Greg LeMaster for state representative in District 33.

Blake Watson is currently the only Democrat to have filed to run for county office as he seeks the party’s nomination for commissioner in the south district.

Republicans who are currently unopposed are Missy Elliott (clerk), Brayden Fields (coroner), Brad Daniels (surveyor), Brian Hutchison (Jay Circuit Court Judge) and Duane Monroe (commissioner – south district).

For state representative Republican Matt Lehman (District 79) and Democrat John Bartlett (District 33) are also currently without opposition.

Running for GOP precinct committeeman are Aaron Loy (Wayne 2), Robin Alberson (Pike), Angela Moeller (Jefferson), Jesse Bivens (Dunkirk 3), Rebecca Thornburg (Greene), Randy Stephen (Wayne 4) and Muhlenkamp. 

Jenae Blasdel, Muhlenkamp and Eads have filed to run for Republican state convention delegate.

Filing for this year's election cycle continues until noon Feb. 9. Positions up for election this year include Jay County Commissioner – north and south districts, three at-large seats on Jay County Council, Jay County Circuit Court Judge, and county clerk of courts, treasurer, coroner and surveyor.