In a closely contested caucus vote for the St. Joseph County Republican Party President, incumbent Jackie Horvath defeated challenger Amy Drake with a 114-96 victory.

Despite conservative support in the lead-up to the vote, Drake fell short during the vote on Saturday, March 1,  citing multiple factors that may have influenced the outcome.

Congratulating Horvath on her hard-fought win, Drake noted that many viewed her own elected position as a councilwoman as a potential drawback, with some believing a party chair should not simultaneously hold public office. Horvath’s retirement, she added, may have also reassured voters that she had the time to dedicate to the role.