Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann was running ahead of Republican challenger Andrew Bennett per preliminary vote totals Tuesday night.
Germann, 78, a Democrat, served his first four-year term after being elected in 1978 but then went into private practice. His current reign started with the 2018 election.
Germann was ahead at 53.34% in unofficial returns with all precincts counted. He declined to comment until more returns were in. The county election board will certify the results on Nov.13.
Bennett, 55, was attempting to do what Germann accomplished: return to work in public office after spending years in private practice.
“I am running because I didn’t want to leave in the first place,” Bennett has said.
Bennett had 16 years of experience as an assistant county prosecutor, serving 13 1/2 years as a Porter County deputy prosecutor before leaving in 2014 to go into private practice.
In making his first run for political office, Bennett acknowledged his respect for Germann, calling him one of the best trial attorneys in Northwest Indiana.
Nevertheless, Bennett said he thought he could bring a fresh approach to the job. He couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday night.
Germann has said it has taken time, but the office culture has changed for the better during his stewardship.
“I love the job. It’s super-challenging and we have a great staff,” Germann said previously.
Jim Woods is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
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