Three-Way Races Set for Commissioner, Prosecutor, and Coroner in Blackford County May 5 Primary

The May 5 Republican primary ballot features three contested Blackford County races, with early voting now underway.

In the Commissioner District 2 race, incumbent Laura Coons is seeking a second term against challengers Shane Smith and Eddie Cansler.

For prosecutor, incumbent Joelle Freiburger — who was elected in 2022 and sworn in January 2023 — faces Aaron Henderson, the chief public defender. No Democrats filed for prosecutor, though the party could fill the vacancy later.

Two candidates are running for coroner: Tarick Townsend Strine and Adam Solga. They are competing to replace Zach Crouch, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits.

Early voting is open at the Blackford County Courthouse. The courthouse will be closed on election day, May 5.

Source: Hartford City News-Times articles: "Three seek commissioner nomination" (April 15, 2026), "Freiburger, Henderson seek prosecutor nomination" (April 8, 2026), "Solga, Strine seeking nod for coroner" (April 15, 2026)