Two members of the Wayne County Democratic Party’s leadership are stepping down, and an election to replace them will be held on Wednesday July 13, 2022 at 6 PM. Chris Hardie, Chair, and Megan Ripberger, Vice Chair, have stated their intentions to vacate their positions as party officers.
Hardie was elected as Chair in March 2021. “I am proud of the work we’ve done and progress we’ve made as a party in that time, and it’s been an honor to contribute,” Hardie said. “With my other professional and personal commitments, I am unable to continue as Chair given the time and attention the role requires and deserves.”
Ripberger, who was elected Vice Chair in April 2021, offered a similar sentiment. “The party continues to do important work and I’m glad to have been a part of that as Vice Chair,” Ripberger said. “While my own time commitments won’t allow me to continue, I look forward to supporting a new leadership team.”
Hardie and Ripberger’s resignations will become official immediately prior to the July 13 meeting to vote on new leadership, which will be conducted by party Secretary Maggie Thomas. If there are multiple candidates for either role, the party’s Precinct Committee Chairs in attendance will hold a vote. Indiana state law requires that the Chair and Vice Chair must be different genders, and the election of the Chair takes place immediately before the election of the Vice Chair. The full process for replacing leadership vacancies is outlined in the Rules of the Indiana Democratic Party.
Party members in good standing who are interested in serving as Chair and/or Vice Chair should declare their candidacy in writing to the party via email at [email protected] or by postal mail to PO Box 234, Richmond, IN 47375-0234 by 5 PM Eastern on Saturday, July 9, 2022. Candidates should include their full contact information, which leadership role(s) they are seeking, and a brief summary of their goals and priorities for the party should they be elected.
The party also continues to accept applications for a paid, part-time Executive Director position.
Anyone with questions about this change or about the requirements and responsibilities of each role are invited to contact the party to learn more, at the email address above or by phone/text at (765) 676-3367.