GOP caucus chooses Zimmerman to fill House District 67 vacancy

New House District 67 State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) delivers his acceptance speech at Monday night’s caucus. (WRBI Photo)

(Versailles, IN) – Alex Zimmerman is the new state representative in House District 67.

Zimmerman, who is the Jennings County Attorney, was elected on the first ballot at Monday night’s Indiana Republican Party caucus at the Ripley County Courthouse Annex in Versailles.

He fills the vacancy created by the recent resignation of longtime State Rep. Randy Frye.

“I’m very excited for the opportunity. It’s not one that I saw coming but I bring a lot of background, and experience at the state legislature already and I think that can be a benefit to our constituents in House District 67,” Zimmerman said.

“I don’t think youth is a bad thing at the Statehouse, and as much as I hate to say it, we can always use another attorney up in Indianapolis,” he added. “I know I’ve got big shoes to fill with Rep. Frye but I hope to do it justice.”

Indiana Republican Party State Chairman Kyle Hupfer presided over Monday’s caucus. (WRBI Photo)

Zimmerman is a North Vernon resident who is married with young children and said some of his priorities at the Statehouse will include rural development, plus bringing jobs and young people back to the area.

“I chose to come back to Southeastern Indiana with my wife and my family and what I see are younger generations moving on to the bigger cities,” Zimmerman said. “They’re going off to get an education and they’re not coming back, and I want to figure out how we can bring those people back to Southeastern Indiana, contributing to our economy, contributing to our local infrastructure.”

Also in contention for the post were Decatur County Councilmember Deanna Burkhart; Jefferson County Councilmember and GOP chair Pam Crozier, and former House District 66 candidate Lisa Seng Shadday.

Zimmerman will fill the remainder of the unexpired term, which runs through November 2024.

Indiana Republican Party State Chairman Kyle Hupfer presided over the caucus, which was conducted in accordance with Indiana Republican State Committee-approved caucus rules and procedures.

Each candidate was given the opportunity to have someone provide a two-minute introduction followed by the candidates having a three-minute time limit to speak for themselves.

Following candidate speeches, voting took place.

Since 49 precinct committee members were registered, certified, and present, 25 votes were needed for election; Zimmerman garnered 26.

“I just appreciate the faith that the voters have in me and I plan to work my butt off and do the job well,” Zimmerman said.

House District 67 is made up of portions of Decatur, Ripley, Jefferson, and Jennings counties.