A group of approximately 35 aspiring political candidates gathered on November 12, 2025, at the Porter County Administration Building to receive valuable insights on campaigning from five local officeholders. This session, led by Porter County Clerk Jessica Bailey and community development educator Gina Avila, aimed to prepare candidates for the competitive electoral landscape expected in 2026.
Bailey emphasized the significance of the upcoming elections, stating, “We have a very big ballot in 2026.” She noted that the list of candidates is so extensive that it required a smaller font to fit onto a single PowerPoint slide. The session covered essential forms and deadlines that candidates and political committees must navigate, as failure to comply could result in fines from the county Election Board.
Starting from this week, the Porter County elections office at 155 Franklin St. in Valparaiso will allow both Republicans and Democrats to formally declare their candidacies for public office. Bailey reminded attendees that the primary elections will be exclusive to these two parties.
During the workshop, Kenard Taylor, a consultant for candidates across all political affiliations, advised future candidates to avoid being their own treasurer. “You don’t have the time to keep track of every dollar and nickel coming in and going out,” he said. Taylor also highlighted the importance of compliance with campaign finance laws, warning that misuse of funds could lead to serious legal consequences.
Avila led a discussion on campaign ethics, stressing that voters closely monitor candidates’ actions during their campaigns. She recommended full transparency in campaign finance reports, even when disclosing donor information that technically falls below the minimum threshold.
In terms of budgeting for campaign expenses, Taylor provided a practical tip: candidates should review campaign finance reports from four years prior and increase those figures by 15% to account for rising costs. He also cautioned against using campaign funds for personal expenses, asserting, “If you do, you go to jail.”
The workshop featured practical advice from local officeholders, including Porter County Councilman Andy Bozak and Valparaiso City Councilwoman Emilie Hunt. Bozak emphasized the importance of door-to-door canvassing but noted the need for financial resources. He suggested bringing a child along while canvassing to gracefully exit lengthy discussions with constituents.
“Knock on as many doors as you want,” said Wilma Vazquez, Portage Township School Board Vice President. She shared her experience of bringing her son along, highlighting that engaging with voters is a time investment worth making.
Hunt spoke of her own strategy, which leaned heavily on social media due to her busy schedule as a full-time working mother. She found that a robust online presence enabled her to connect with voters effectively, especially when traditional canvassing was not feasible.
Mailers, a common campaign tool, were deemed less effective by both Bozak and Don Craft, Chair of the Porter County Democratic Party. Bozak described them as a poor return on investment, while Craft noted that their lifespan is typically short, often ending up in the trash shortly after delivery.
The session also covered the importance of community engagement. Taylor encouraged candidates to initiate conversations with residents about their concerns, steering discussions towards local issues rather than getting sidetracked by national topics. “Educate people on what the job is first,” he said, underscoring the importance of understanding community needs.
As the workshop concluded, attendees were reminded of the value of building a support network. Uldricks pointed out that asking for help, whether for canvassing or fundraising, is crucial for candidates’ success.
Overall, the event provided a comprehensive overview of the campaign process, equipping potential candidates with practical strategies and ethical guidelines to navigate their political aspirations effectively. The insights shared by experienced officeholders are intended to help these future leaders make informed decisions as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
