Two State Lawmakers Lose Primaries In Upsets

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Original story from IPBS-RJC

Brandon Smith

Article origination IPBS-RJC

Rep. Dick Hamm (R-Richmond) and Sen. Joe Zakas (R-Granger) lost their primary races.

Most incumbents in state House and Senate races sailed to easy victories Tuesday – with two exceptions, including one of the longest-serving members of the current General Assembly.

Rep. Dick Hamm (R-Richmond) was dealt a significant defeat in his primary – a 34 percentage point loss to political newcomer Brad Barrett. Barrett is a retired surgeon who says he’s passionate about health care issues, including the opioid epidemic.

In northern Indiana, Sen. Joe Zakas (R-Granger) will leave the legislature after 36 years. He too lost in an upset to challenger Linda Rogers. Rogers is a golf course and home building company owner who’s never before held elected office.

Tags:2018 May primary

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