Liberty Township
resident Marine Corps Major John Johnston (Ret.) filed on Feb. 7 to run as a
Republican for the Indiana House of Representatives in the 10th District.
The district covers
most of Chesterton, Ogden Dunes, Porter, Portage, Burns Harbor, Dune Acres
and South Haven.
Johnston mentioned
in a prepared statement that thus far, the incumbent Charles “Chuck”
Moseley, D-Portage, has run largely unopposed in this seat and has remained
in office since 2008.
This is the first
time Johnston has run for public office.
In his statement,
Johnston said he is a seasoned veteran and distinguished leader. He retired
after 26 years in the United States Marine Corps and 17 years as the Senior
Marine Instructor at Portage High School. The Portage High School Marine
Corps Junior ROTC remains in the top 5 nationwide, he said.
Johnston said
veterans, educators and district needs will always be a priority to him.
“Our cities and
towns need the resources from the State to plow their streets, pave their
roads, pay their workers and support job growth,” he said.
Johnston believes
the State Board of Education needs to work with Superintendent Glenda Ritz
to make the necessary changes responsibly and efficiently. Reducing the
plethora of mandated educational initiatives placed on Indiana schools will
be one of Johnston’s focuses as well as making sure local skilled union
tradesmen’s interests are addressed fairly in Indianapolis.
Johnston is running
unopposed in the May 6 Republican primary election.
He will face
Moseley in the November general election.