Filing has officially opened  for the 2026 election cycle, with several St. Joseph County Republicans set to launch their campaigns.

Republican sheriff candidate Rod Laureys is scheduled to file for office on Thursday, Jan. 8, at approximately 10 a.m. at the County-City Building.

He will be joined by Republican incumbents Joe Thomas, who represents County Council District A, and Amy Drake, who represents District B. Both will file paperwork to seek re-election in 2026.

Also filing Wednesday is Jamie O’Brien, a Republican challenger launching a campaign for County Council District C.

Several other Republicans are expected to attend as they file to run as delegates to the Republican State Convention, scheduled for June 19 and 20 in Fort Wayne.

The candidate filing period runs from through Feb. 6.