Porter County Coroner Cyndi Dykes announced Monday that she’ll be seeking in the 2026 primary the Center District bid for the Board of Commissioners seat held by fellow Republican Barb Regnitz, who’s serving her first term.
Dykes, in her second term as coroner, cannot seek a second consecutive term per state statute.
“As coroner, I have required high standards expected to take care of families’ loved ones with respect and dignity, successfully managed annual budgets with the County Council, generated grant money for the department and have earned the trust and respect of local law enforcement, along with various other agencies, with proven integrity and leadership,” Dykes said in a statement.
She’s lived in Porter County since 1972 and graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1979. Dykes and her husband of 41 years raised three children in Valparaiso.
Dykes said the continued growth of Porter County will require a delicate balancing act between needed economic development and protection of the rural environment, schools, communities, and neighborhoods here.
“I pledge to serve the residents and businesses of Porter County with honesty, openness and fairness. I will govern in a no-nonsense environment, ensuring public trust through transparent practices and responsible use of authority prioritizing the best interests of the taxpayers,” she ended her announcement.
Filing for the primaries opens on Wednesday, Jan. 7, and ends Friday, Feb. 6.
Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.