The Elkhart County Republican Party wants you to know your candidates. Throughout the run toward the May 2026 Primary Election, we will be posting Q&As with your candidates to help introduce (and re-introduce) them to you – the Republican voter! All Republican candidates in the race are contacted. We continue this series with candidates for Wakarusa, Indiana Town Council. 

Candidate Bio: Annette Brown –  Hi I am Annette Brown. I was born and raised in Wakarusa and had the honor of getting my Education in our Wa-Nee School System. My husband Steve and I are in our 42nd year of marriage. We have three Sons who are now married and created seven amazing grandkids for us to enjoy! We chose to raise our family in Wakarusa because we love the values and the people in this community.   I am in my 30th year of Driving School Bus, while also taking care of day-to-day operations of our family business and being the custodian at our church, I also run a lawn care business to help out our community. I currently serve on the Wakarusa Nursery School Board as Secretary and on the Lion’s Club fundraising Committee and also volunteer to help clerk the 4-H Auctions and Time judge the Harness races at the County Fair. In the past I have served on the Dairy Feeder and Lamb Club advisory Boards, The NorthWood Athletic Captains Club and the Black cat Ball Fundraising Committee,  In the summer I enjoy working in my Flower Gardens, Bike Riding, and time on the Lake with my Family. 

Why did you decide to seek election/re-election to this office? I have decided to seek re-election to the Wakarusa Town Council because I enjoy serving the Community in this small way. It excites me to hear about innovative ideas and see the passion of our Townspeople come to fruition. Through this journey I have learned to listen to what others desire and form an opinion that creates a decision that is more than just my own. I never take for granted the Council decisions that I make regarding the guidance of our Town’s growth and direction.  

What do you feel are the main issues facing this office heading into your next potential term? If re-elected I feel that affordable housing, infrastructure, adding to our downtown business corridor and budgeting are all issues that will be faced head on in my next potential term. My goal is to help shape local policies effectively and contribute to resolving urgent concerns that residents may have. I am running on the slogan that Your Voice Matters and I honestly believe more ideas and thoughts are better than one.

What are some elements of this job that the public may not know about? As a Council member the Public may not know how much time behind the scenes is spent in meetings and research to be able to educate yourself to make a crucial decision. It is so much more than just the scheduled work session and Council meeting. Almost daily I am conferring with Constituents or Residents for current or new ideas and completing a task that was started. 

Why have you decided to seek election as a Republican candidate and why are those values important to you? I have chosen to file as a Republican because I believe in less government regulation. I feel our local government should make decisions from the ground up and support what is best for Wakarusa. We are a unique Community and feel we should have the choice in our decisions to help maintain that character.

How can voters get in touch with you and stay updated on your campaign? If anyone would like to contact me my email address is [email protected] or you can follow me on Social media at Re-Elect Annette Brown for Wakarusa Town Council. Your Voice matters to Me!

 

Candidate Bio: Sam Stump  – My entire life revolves around Wakarusa. I am a lifelong resident and have attended the same church in Wakarusa for my entire life. Every job I have held, going back over 30 years, has been in Wakarusa. This is where my wife and I got married, almost 20 years ago, and where we have decided to raise our 5 children. I have worked for Schwartz Electric for 23 years in multiple capacities, currently as a supervisor. I have served as a Trustee at church for ten years and have held the positions of Secretary, Vice Chairman, and Chairman. As both an electrician and Trustee, I have learned the skills needed to serve on the Town Council.

Why did you decide to seek election/re-election to this office? 

  • As a lifelong resident, I love this town and have been interested in joining the council for awhile now
  • I have been made aware of some struggles the council has been facing and was encouraged to run
  • I want to see this community grow and thrive for future generations 

What do you feel are the main issues facing this office heading into your next potential term?

  • There appears to be a lack of communication between departments and the council. This has led to delayed decisions and some decisions being made in haste
  • Decisions are routinely delayed, some for years, and end up costing us more money in the long run. Delayed decisions also have meant a loss of potential grant money. 

What are some elements of this job that the public may not know about?

  • Council members are liaisons for other departments in town
  • Three or more council members are not allowed to discuss town business together unless in a public meeting

Why have you decided to seek election as a Republican candidate and why are those values important to you? 

  • The Republican party is the party that is most closely aligned to my beliefs.
  • Pro family, freedom of religion, focused on Americans first….just to name a few

How can voters get in touch with you and stay updated on your campaign? – follow me on Facebook at Sam Stump for Wakarusa Town Council 

[Note: All candidates were contacted regarding this survey. The other candidate[s] in this race did not respond.]