The Official Website of the Elkhart County Republican Party
Elkhart County Government serves the 200,000+ people of Elkhart County, Indiana. On this page you will find profiles of a few of the candidates running to represent you in your local government. Learn more about the Republican nominees seeking election in this 2026 election cycle.
“I have worked in County Government for 6 years. I started at the Accounting Specialist in 2019, promoted to First Deputy in 2021 and caucused in as Auditor in 2026. While in the Auditor’s office I have gained a strong understanding of county finances and budgeting.”
Transparency: As an Auditor we handle county financial records, claims, warrants, and annual financial reporting. I will continue to ensure accurate and timely reporting. I would love the opportunity to have informational meetings with the community to help them gain knowledge of how our office operates.
Support responsible budgeting: Continue to provide accurate financial information to county officials so they can make informed decisions about spending and long-term planning.
Streamline the auditor’s office through better technology, organized records, and efficient processes while maintaining strong internal controls. We have started the process in both our real estate and accounting sections of the office.
I am honored to serve the people of Elkhart County and to have the opportunity to continue that service as your Clerk of the Circuit Court.
I have more than 15 years of experience in Elkhart County government. I began my county career in the Auditor’s Office, where I spent nearly 13 years learning the many aspects of county government and serving the residents of Elkhart County. During that time, I worked with property tax deductions and abatements, property transfers, tax distributions, payroll, claims, budgets, and many other responsibilities that keep county government operating effectively. I was privileged to serve just over seven years as Elkhart County Auditor.
On January 13, 2026, I brought that experience to the Elkhart County Clerk’s Office. Since taking office, I have focused on strengthening the office, improving communication and transparency, and providing dependable and respectful service to our residents, county departments, and communities.
Protecting the integrity and security of our elections has been on of my priorities. I have worked to increase security and transparency in our local elections and collaborated with the County Commissioners to increase compensation for election poll workers. I have also made communication and accountability a priority by holding more Election Board meetings during my first eight months in office than had been held during the previous three plus years.
I believe the Clerk’s Office should be accessible, responsive, and accountable to the people it serves. That is why I have encouraged residents to share their feedback and created opportunities for their questions and concerns to be heard.
I am committed to building trust in the Clerk’s Office and strengthening relationships with county departments, community partners, and the residents we serve. I will continue working to ensure the office operates with professionalism, transparency, integrity, and respect.
I am grateful for the opportunity to serve Elkhart County, and humbly ask for your support as I continue working for the people of our community.
1. Continue to strengthen election security and integrity of elections in Elkhart County by continuing to regularly review and update security measures as needed. My priority is to help ensure our elections remain safe, secure, accurate, and accessible to every eligible voter in Elkhart County.
2. Continue building strong, positive relationships with county departments, elected officials, community organizations, and residents. By working together, communicating effectively, and fostering teamwork, we can better serve the people of Elkhart County and ensure the Clerk’s Office is a trusted and responsive partner.
3. Work to streamline processes and modernize systems within the Clerk’s Office to make services more efficient and accessible. I will prioritize accountability, transparency, responsive service, and respectful treatment of every constituent who interacts with our office.
A graduate of Fairfield Jr. Sr. High School, Mike earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Ball State University. Hired by the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office as a Patrol Officer in March of 2004 by Sheriff Mike Books, he worked his way through the patrol division ranks and was promoted to Patrol Corporal in 2007 and Patrol Sergeant in late 2008. After earning his stripes, this required Mike to perform regular patrol duties while supervising shifts of patrol officers, county-wide. During this time he also served as an operator on the Emergency Services Unit (Now a component of Elkhart County Regional SWAT) as a precision marksman, perimeter element leader, and later as the overall tactical team commander.
In 2011, Mike was promoted to Patrol Captain by Sheriff Brad Rogers. As Patrol Captain, Mike Culp oversaw the entire Patrol Division, the first point of police contact for the majority of Elkhart County’s 200,000+ residents. In 2019 he transferred to Administrative Services Captain at the request of current Sheriff Jeff Siegel to oversee the day-to-day operations of the Administrative Services Division and to serve as the agency’s Public Information Officer (PIO). A lifelong Republican, Mike is dedicated to upholding conservative, constitutional values and ensuring that the Sheriff’s Office serves and protects the rights of all individuals. Treating others with honor and respect is critical to the mission of the Sheriff.
Mike won the May 2026 primary election and is the Republican nominee for Sheriff in the November 2026 general election. Mike has been married to his wife Angela for 25 years. They have three children. Phillip, who is an active duty Sergeant in the United States Army, Makayla, US Army ROTC at Ball State University School of Nursing, and Madelyn, US Army ROTC and at Ball State University School of Nursing. They attend Nappanee Missionary Church
The Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office has a wide range of responsibilities that need addressed simultaneously. The following seven areas must be prioritized to better serve our community, while increasing the effectiveness of our agency.
DEVELOP A FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR THE OFFICE Going beyond a single term in office, this five-year plan gives structure to the administration, showing staff and the public the direction of the sheriff’s office. This will also give future sheriffs a structure to build off of as we work continuously to improve agency operations and complete public safety.
STRATEGIC CRIME FIGHTING GROUPS Elkhart County is a fast-growing county, with much of the growth focused within areas where the sheriff’s office has primary jurisdiction. We will create strategic planning groups to focus on implementing programs and teams to improve public safety in areas where metrics show a needed focus. This allows us to utilize the depth of knowledge we have developed within our agency in all ranks and divisions, and gives officers the opportunity to further their careers via special teams and assignments. Including but not limited to: Community relations / community-oriented policing Traffic safety Warrant service Gangs Criminal intelligence
COMMUNITY-FOCUSED PUBLIC RELATIONS CAMPAIGN DEPLOYMENT The public needs to see their sheriff’s deputies out and about and they need to know the work we do. Revamp and re-deploy our community-focused public relations campaign to increase awareness of the services we offer and ways to connect with sheriff’s deputies. This allows for better community connection and dialogue with the public. Focus on getting officers into the community, attending local events, and engaging with the public in person to continuously build dialogue.
OPERATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS & READINESS ASSESSMENT Order a top-to-bottom assessment of complete agency operational effectiveness in Patrol, Investigations, Corrections, and Administrative Services. Review the primary duties and responsibilities of each division and assess where efficiencies can be achieved to better serve the community and be a good steward of taxpayer dollars. Evaluate training requirements for all divisions. Review manpower/staffing needs in all divisions to determine if current staffing levels meet the needs of our agency and our growing community. Develop and execute immediate and long-term solutions to staffing in partnership with Elkhart County Government.
BUDGET ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT Conduct an internal study to identify the funds necessary for operational readiness of the Sheriff’s Office. Review all current contracts and service agreements to ensure good stewardship of taxpayer funds. Identify areas where the overall budget can be reduced or flatlined if necessary, without affecting public and deputy safety. Work closely with the Elkhart County Council to ensure budget constraints due to SEA 1 do not negatively impact public safety.
EMPHASIZE STAFF DEVELOPMENT Identify trends in effective law enforcement and corrections recruitment that can be initiated within the first year in office. Assess and implement strategies to increase staff retention and encourage long-term investment with our agency. Investigate viable programs with local community partners for continuing education opportunities and professional development. Create a structured program focused on developing future leaders within the office. Re-emphasize internal honor award structure. Evaluate current career development policies and identify improvements and changes. Explore ways to improve officer wellness, resilience, and support from hiring through retirement.
EVALUATE JAIL PROGRAMMING Complete a review of all jail programming and identify what works, what doesn’t, and how we can improve inmate programming to reduce recidivism. This would include an analysis of our training programs, jail ministry, educational efforts, and addiction intervention. Release to the public information on results and improvements, to help better explain why these efforts are important to all in our community. We will continue to push to expand jail programming opportunities, including the jail ministry, in the face of state budget cuts and unfunded state mandates.
As a 42 year resident of Elkhart County and a successful business executive I have the experience and qualifications to continue to serve the residents of Elkhart County. I am currently finishing the last year of my second 4 year term and during my time in office I have become very acquainted with all of the services our local government provides.
1. Maintain efficient spending. The County Council carefully monitors county spending and I will continue to focus on efficiency in government. The Council has spent valuable tax dollars efficiently and during my terms have annually transferred funds to our rainy day account to provide necessary services should an economic downturn develop.
2. Maintain Accessibility. Constantly during my time in office I have been extremely accessible to our citizens and carefully evaluate their concerns. These are either discussed and explained but if I need to research I respond very timely to serve our citizens.
3. Cooperate with County Departments. I have developed excellent relationships with all County Departments and will continue to work cooperatively with them to provide efficient and effective help in their various needs.
I have called Goshen home my entire life. It’s where I built a career, raised a family, and had the opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much.
My wife, Lori Kay, and I have four children and 11 grandchildren. When you have 11 grandkids, you think a lot about the future. I want Elkhart County to remain a place where our children and grandchildren can find opportunities, raise their own families, and be proud to call home.
Community service has always been important to me. For many years I was part of the Goshen Little League Board with four years as president. I served for many years on the Goshen Boys & Girls Club Board, including several years as president, and served on the club’s corporate board. Today, I continue serving our community as a longtime member of the Oaklawn Board.
My career in real estate and construction has taught me a simple lesson: when there’s a problem, you don’t just talk about it, you figure out how to fix it and take action. You watch the numbers, control costs, work together, and take responsibility for the decisions you make.
That’s the same approach I want to bring to the Elkhart County Council. I’m running because this is my home. I care about where Elkhart County is headed, how taxpayer dollars are spent, and what kind of community we’re leaving behind for the next generation. I would be honored to earn your vote for Elkhart County Council District 3.
1. Responsible, Balanced Budgets Building Community During my time on the County Council, we have been able to balance the budget while keeping vital programs as a top priority. We continue to add to our Rainy-Day Fund, ensuring that in times of crisis, our community remains strong. I will continue working to protect taxpayers, control spending, and keep Elkhart County on solid financial footing.
2. Keep Our Roads Safe and Well Maintained Good roads are essential to our residents, businesses, farmers, and local economy. I will continue to prioritize maintaining and improving our roads and infrastructure while making responsible use of taxpayer dollars.
3. Strengthen Police, Fire, and Emergency Services Public safety must remain a top priority. I will continue to support our law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders, ensuring they have the resources necessary to keep Elkhart County families and communities safe.
Experience. Responsible Spending. Common-Sense Leadership.
