Whitcomb Withdraws From Democratic Party Chair Race After Family Tragedy

Trish Whitcomb withdrew from the race to become the next chair of the Indiana Democratic Party Monday following a tragedy in her family.

Whitcomb announced that her son died unexpectedly Sunday. In a statement, the one-time campaign manager for former State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz said she couldn’t continue her candidacy following the “unimaginable loss.”

Whitcomb’s departure from the race leaves two candidates: Mike Schmuhl, who ran Pete Buttigieg’s presidential campaign, and Morgan County Democratic Party Chair Tom Wallace.

In a statement, current Indiana Democratic Party Chair John Zody said that Hoosier Democrats "will hold [Whitcomb] and her loved ones close during this terrible time." 

Schmuhl and his running mate for vice chair, Marion County Clerk Myla Eldridge, offered Whitcomb and her family support after the "heartbreaking" loss.

The party will pick its new chair Saturday.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.