A decision by Councilman Dan Schaetzle to shift leadership control of the St. Joseph County Council to Democrats has sparked criticism from prominent Republican lawmakers.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, Jan. 8, Congressman Rudy Yakym, State Senator Linda Rogers, State Representative Tim Wesco, and State Representative Dale DeVon expressed strong disapproval of Schaetzle’s decision, calling it a betrayal of the party’s efforts to secure a majority on the council.

“As state and federal elected officials, we are extremely disappointed in Schaetzle’s vote to cede control of the St. Joseph County Council to Democrats,” the statement read.

The lawmakers highlighted the historical significance of the Republican majority, achieved in 2022 after years of effort, as a missed opportunity to enact meaningful change for the county. “Unfortunately, last night, Mr. Schaetzle chose to ignore the mandate he was elected to fulfill,” they added.

The group emphasized the importance of principled leadership and accountability in local governance, cautioning that the move undermines public trust. While noting the value of bipartisan collaboration, they criticized the decision as harmful to transparency and representation.

“Mr. Schaetzle should focus on advancing St. Joseph County rather than advancing his own self-interests,” the statement concluded, reaffirming their commitment to advocating for policies aligned with Republican values.