Hathaway
For the second time in a year, the Indiana Republican Party is looking for a new leader.
Chairwoman Anne Hathaway informed the Indiana Republican State Committee on Friday she will be stepping down effective upon the election of her successor. Executive Director Joe Elsener is also resigning.
“From day one, Joe and I made it clear that we would commit to serve through the primary and then transition to new leadership. The timing is right having just concluded our 2024 State Convention, and I look forward to working with Senator Braun and the members of our Republican State Committee to select our next chair,” Hathaway said in a statement.
She has served for 10 months after former Chairman Kyle Hupfer left to lead Brad Chambers’ campaign for governor. Gov. Eric Holcomb tapped Hathaway and she was the first woman to serve in that role.
With her departure, U.S. Sen. Mike Braun — the defacto leader of Indiana Republicans after winning the GOP gubernatorial nominee — will choose a successor. Members of the state committee have to confirm Braun’s pick and will hold a vote on June 24.
Hathaway will remain one of Indiana’s two Republican National Committeemen, alongside new appointee Victor Smith.
“It has truly been my honor to serve the Republican Party in this capacity for the last 10 months. When Governor Holcomb asked me to serve as Chairwoman, I was both humbled and excited. I have truly enjoyed working with Republicans from all 92 counties to strengthen our grassroots,” Hathaway said.
“As the Republican National Committeewoman, I am not leaving, I am just returning to my seat on the committee. I look forward to continuing to represent Indiana within the RNC and to continue to support our grassroots operations across the state as we work to elect our next President, Governor and Republicans up and down the ticket.”
By Niki Kelly – The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, not-for-profit news organization that covers state government, policy and elections.
