Republican Barb Regnitz, finishing her third year as a Porter County commissioner representing Center District, filed a statement of organization Wednesday to run for the Congressional seat now held by Democrat Frank Mrvan of Highland.
Regnitz started her four-year term on the Board of Commissioners in January 2023. She had not yet stated whether she would run for re-election in the coming year, but Coroner Cyndi Dykes, a Republican who is limited to two consecutive terms as coroner by state statute, announced a bid for the office last month.
According to the statement of organization she filed with the Federal Election Commission, Bradley Crate of Red Curve Solutions, based in Beverly, Massachusetts, is serving as her campaign treasurer.
Red Curve Solutions, according to its website, is the “only political compliance firm to serve every Republican Presidential General Election Nominee since 2012.”
“For the past 100 years, Democrats have controlled Indiana’s First District,” said Regnitz in a news release. “Now, with radical far-left activists steering their party, people are concerned about endless investigations, attempts at impeachment, and a return to the failed policies of the past. Our country needs leaders who will defend President Trump’s agenda, restore accountability, and preserve our constitutional rights. For these reasons — and more — I’m running to be your next U.S. Representative.”
Regnitz touted her business experience in her campaign announcement, including stints as a computer programmer and business analyst for the Woolworth Company, a software engineer and project manager for United Airlines, and a Certified Financial Planner and Financial Advisor with AG Edwards and Raymond James.
Regnitz put $200,000 of her own funds towards her county campaign, money she said at the time was from the sale of her financial advising practice. Regnitz garnered some scrutiny for putting the money into her campaign, withdrawing it and putting it back in, though the move was still within the bounds of state campaign finance rules.
Regnitz’s filing comes as state legislators grapple with a request from the Trump administration for mid-census redistricting that could divide District 1 into two. Mrvan, of Highland, has represented District 1 since 2021 and previously was the North Township trustee.
The seat has long been a Democratic bastion; Pete Visclosky held the post for 36 years before announcing his retirement, ushering the way for Mrvan, and it has been held by Democrats since long before that.
The First District currently contains all of Lake and Porter counties, along with the northwest part of LaPorte County. Under a proposed map, the First District would include all of Lake County and the southern half of Porter County and then shift east toward Miami and Howard counties.
Regnitz, of Valparaiso, is one of three Republicans on the Board of Commissioners.
Post-Tribune archives contributed.
alavalley@chicagotribune.com
