Johnson County GOP Seeks to Remove Commissioner Candidate

Challenger Matt Markovich could be removed from ballots for failing to meet state voting requirement

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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A Franklin man seeking to unseat a three-term Johnson County Commissioner is facing a challenge from the local Republican Party over his eligibility to run. The Johnson County GOP alleges that Matt Markovich, a Republican candidate for District 2 county commissioner, is ineligible because he has only voted in one Republican primary election, while state law requires candidates to have voted in two of the last primary elections of their party or receive a certification from the county party chair.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate over ballot access laws and the role of political parties in determining who can run for office. Critics argue that requirements like the two-primary rule unfairly limit participation in the political process, while supporters say the rules help ensure candidates are truly committed to the party. The outcome could impact the makeup of the Johnson County Commission and set a precedent for future candidate challenges.

The details

The Johnson County GOP, led by Chair Beth Boyce, filed a challenge on February 11th alleging that Markovich does not meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Indiana law. Markovich, who has voted Republican in general elections, says he was surprised by the challenge and disagrees with the two-primary rule, which he believes is designed to block outsider candidates. Boyce says the challenge is not about Markovich's Republican credentials, but simply his voting record, which does not meet the legal standard. Markovich could have obtained a certification from Boyce to qualify without the voting history, but he did not do so before filing his candidacy paperwork.

  • The challenge was filed with the Johnson County Clerk's Office on February 11, 2026.
  • A hearing before the Johnson County Election Board is scheduled for Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Matt Markovich

A Franklin, Indiana resident seeking to unseat a three-term Johnson County Commissioner as the Republican candidate for District 2.

Beth Boyce

The chair of the Johnson County Republican Party, who filed the challenge against Markovich's candidacy.

Kevin Walls

The incumbent three-term Johnson County Commissioner for District 2, who Markovich is running against.

Johnson County Election Board

The three-member bipartisan board that will determine if Markovich can remain on the ballot.

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What they’re saying

“I have voted in numerous general elections as a Republican, been a Republican since I was a kid. I've never not been a Republican. I've never voted other than Republican.”

— Matt Markovich, Republican Candidate for Johnson County Commissioner (dailyjournal.net)

“This new law is designed to be a roadblock for the average person like me who's trying to run for office. ... For the establishment, or the existing people in office, it seems like a really good way for them to block challengers, because if only 16% of people vote in primary elections, they're dramatically reducing the number of people who are now allowed to run.”

— Matt Markovich, Republican Candidate for Johnson County Commissioner (dailyjournal.net)

“I don't think it's right that an unelected person, who most people have never heard of, gets to decide who runs for office. I believe my opponent and I should have an honest debate and let the voters decide.”

— Matt Markovich, Republican Candidate for Johnson County Commissioner (dailyjournal.net)

“I've been the chairman for 10 years, and we have been very consistent in upholding this part of the law and keeping it very objective. ... In my opinion, as [GOP] chairman, when you start making decisions based on things like [social media posts], it becomes very subjective. So I stand pretty firm on this law and the requirements, and again, I know he's disappointed about that.”

— Beth Boyce, Chair, Johnson County Republican Party (dailyjournal.net)

What’s next

The Johnson County Election Board will hold a hearing on Thursday, February 20, 2026 to determine if Markovich can remain on the ballot.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over ballot access laws and the role of political parties in determining who can run for office. While supporters argue the rules help ensure committed candidates, critics say they unfairly limit participation in the political process. The outcome could impact the makeup of the Johnson County Commission and set a precedent for future candidate challenges.