Statement from Wells County Republican Chairman Preston T. Wright on the Passage of Senate Bill 287

Bluffton, IN – Today, the Indiana Senate passed Senate Bill 287, sending it to the Governor’s desk for final approval. This legislation represents a step toward increased transparency and accountability in our local school districts by allowing school board candidates to run on a partisan basis, if they so choose.

As Chairman of the Wells County Republican Party, I commend this advancement in election integrity and voter clarity. While SB 287 does not accomplish every reform I had hoped for, such as establishing a primary election process for school board candidates, it is a meaningful and necessary step toward empowering voters with more information when they head to the ballot box.

I want to thank the bill’s author, Senator Gary Byrne, for his leadership and dedication in bringing this legislation forward. I also want to thank Wells County’s own State Senator Travis Holdman for his steadfast support of SB 287 and his continued commitment to the people of Wells County.

The Wells County Republican Party believes in transparency, informed voting, and strong local leadership. This bill helps move us in that direction, and I look forward to seeing great Republican candidates step up to run for school board seats in 2026.

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For more information on the Wells County Republican Party, upcoming events, or ways to get involved, visit https://wells.gop/.