Hopf tops Schwinghamer in Huntingburg primary

Hopf received the nod from nearly 54% of the 783 ballots cast during the election. The primary turnout saw a total of 804 ballots cast, with 472 on election day. The early vote tally was 332.

“I feel very excited and very, very blessed to be in this situation and have this opportunity,” Hopf said.

Currently, there are no democrats or independents on the ballot for mayor for November’s general election. Deadline to file is July 3.

“I really believe people are ready for a change in Huntingburg,” said Hopf. “I think they’re ready for a strong voice and strong leader who will step up and to make big changes that Huntingburg direly needs.”

Hopf — who has been a Huntingburg resident since the age of four — was elected last year to the Patoka Township Advisory Board.

For the mayoral race, Hopf said he focused on three aspects — leadership, giving people a voice and improvements to infrastructure.

Hopf said a strong leader should be able to fill needed positions with qualified and educated people.

“Huntingburg does a lot of deals behind closed doors,” he said, “and we forget about the people who put us in the position.”

Hopf added the city’s roads and sidewalks are in terrible need of improvements.

“Our roads, our sidewalks are continuing to fail each and every day,” he said. “I want to get a plan back together for the City of Huntingburg to know that we are focusing on building our infrastructure correctly.”

Hopf said he is grateful for everyone who came out to vote and show their support.

“It’s greatly appreciated and I’m just happy to see a positive and good change for Huntingburg moving forward,” he said.