Cardwell resigns as GOP party chairman; Holcomb recommends successor

With Indiana Republican Party Chairman Jeff Cardwell resigning, Gov.-elect Eric Holcomb has recommended Kyle Hupfer to replace him.

Cardwell will step down Jan. 21, following the presidential inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

“Under his leadership, Indiana Republicans made historic gains at every level of public service this past November — from local to federal office,” Holcomb said in written statement.

Cardwell has served as the party chairman since April 2015.

“Our Hoosier Republicans have an energy and dedication that is boundless — something I have seen 100 times over in my time as chairman,” Cardwell said in a statement. “I am grateful that we have a party that is very much alive and well.”

A caucus will take place on Feb. 1 to select the next state chairman.

Hupfer is the party’s 5th District chairman and a longtime friends with Holcomb. He also has served as treasurer of Holcomb’s campaign committee and is the co-chair of his transition team.

He is chief administrative officer and general counsel of Indiana Mills & Manufacturing Inc. He previously served as the director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for Gov. Mitch Daniels and also as the chairman of the Indiana State Fair Commission.

“I know Kyle Hupfer is prepared to manage the robust statewide grassroots, finance and communication organization that is the Indiana Republican Party well into the future,” Holcomb said.