Franklin County Prosecutor announces bid for re-election

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp has announced that he will seek re-election in 2026. 

Huerkamp was first elected in 2018 and has overseen the prosecution of thousands of cases that range from homicide and traffic violations, to narcotics cases and trials that involve a child or victim of sexual abuse. 

His prosecuting career began in Hamilton County, Ohio under current Ohio Supreme Court Judge Joe Deters. 

Huerkamp then joined the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office as a chief deputy prosecutor in 2012. 

"It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Franklin County for the last 14 years. I have always aimed to approach my duties with a sense of integrity, justice, and decency, while exercising the authority of the office in a responsible and effective manner, ” said Huerkamp. 

One high-profile case that Huerkamp has recently prosecuted involved a man who shot his wife and a Franklin County deputy during a snowstorm in 2022. You can read that outcome by clicking here. 

Huerkamp says crime has decreased since he took office in 2019 and he has also successfully overseen the office budget, while managing separate criminal and child support divisions, and a staff of 12 employees. 

“Despite the lack of large employers in the area, child support enforcement has met or exceeded statewide standards. In recent years, I have overseen the expansion of the office’s victim services with additional attorney and support staff at no additional cost to local taxpayers,” he added. 

Huerkamp says he has also implemented or partnered in initiatives devoted to strengthening the local criminal justice system, including:

• Establishing Franklin County’s first Sexual Assault Response Team;

• Serving as Chairman of the local Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council;

• Serving as a member of the newly-created Community Corrections Board; and

• Assisting the Court’s entry and participation in the Southeast Indiana Veterans Treatment Court, where defendants with a military background can receive specialized attention in appropriate cases. 

Huerkamp is a graduate of University of Cincinnati College of Law and lives in Brookville with his wife, Katrina, and their three children. 

He added that he's focused on keeping the positive law enforcement trends continuing in the county.

“In the meantime, I will keep making the tough calls that go along with the job, fighting for victims, working with our law enforcement partners, and seeking justice on a case-by-case basis. There will always be challenges, but I will rely on my experience and common sense to do my part in ensuring that Franklin County remains a safe place to live, work, and visit,” he said.

He will seek the Republican nomination for Franklin County Prosecutor on May 5.