Indiana Republican Party Chairman Randy Head announced Monday that he’s resigning — effective immediately — after just five months in the role, citing the demands of his full-time lobbyist job.
“It has been the honor of my life to serve as chairman of the Indiana Republican Party for the past five months,” Head said in a news release.
He highlighted the party’s successes under his tenure: electoral victories for U.S. Senate, governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and in the Legislature. He also oversaw record-breaking fundraising, per the release.
Head thanked Gov.-elect Mike Braun for his faith, employer Krieg DeVault for allowing him to step away, Indiana GOP staffers for their work, and “every Republican who placed their trust in me.”
The move is a business decision, according to a party insider.
Head is a member of Krieg DeVault’s Governmental Affairs and Public Advocacy Practice and advises clients on legislative matters. He was elected Indiana GOP chair in June, after the close of the last legislative session.
As chair, Head was blocked from lobbying. But, the next budget-writing session — prime time for lobbying — begins in January.
Head said he’d keep serving as the Indiana GOP State Committee as 4th District chair. He’ll work with that group and Braun to pick a successor.
Vice Chair Erin Lucas will assume the role of interim chairwoman until the committee elects a new chair.
Braun weighs in
Braun complimented Head on his “exemplary service” as chair, touting “unprecedented success” and “victories at every level.”
“Randy’s commitment to Republican principles and his ability to bring people together have left a lasting impact on the party and the state,” Braun said in the release.
The incoming governor similarly pledged to work with the committee to pick a new chair “who will build on the strong foundation Randy has established.”
It’s the third time in 15 months the party is looking for new leadership.
Head succeeded former chair Anne Hathaway, who resigned following the party’s convention in June. She held the role for 10 months.
Former chair Kyle Hupfer left in August last year to lead Brad Chambers’ unsuccessful campaign for governor. He served for more than six years.
Head and Hathaway are on Braun’s transition team, while Hupfer is on one of a dozen transition councils.