FORT WAYNE — Allen County Republicans gathered Wednesday to celebrate the party and victories in Tuesday’s general election.

The Downtown Republican Club hosted the traditional Coney Island Luncheon at ACGOP Headquarters at Main and Harrison streets, and shuttled in boxes of Coney dogs from Fort Wayne’s Famous Coney Island next door.

County Recorder Anita Mather, who is giving up that office in January, led in serving the sandwiches to a capacity crowd.

Victors and future candidates shared lunch and congratulations and wished one another success in months to come. New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael, who is seeking reelection in 2023, shook hands with Fort Wayne City Councilman Tom Didier, who has announced he will run for mayor next year.

Downtown Republican Club President Tom Harris, who on Tuesday won reelection to County Council District 2, welcomed the crowd and introduced County GOP Chairman Steve Shine.

Shine said he will mark 30 years in that role in March 2023. “I just want to thank you for the honor of serving as your chairman,” he said.

Shine introduced and congratulated a series of candidates.

“It’s been a long two years,” Sheriff-elect Troy Hershberger said of this campaign. “It’s great for the process to be where it’s at right now. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the Republican Party and my staff, my wife, my family … and all those in the trenches that went out and put out signs. I look forward to walking in on January 1st and moving forward.” Hershberger is now the chief deputy for the sheriff’s office.

Other speakers included Prosecutor-elect Mike McAlexander who gave special thanks to the outgoing prosecutor, Karen Richards. “I think part of my not being contested was due to the work our office does and the work Karen Richards has done for the past 20 year,” he said. “We’re very proud of the work we do. This year alone we have tried 20 homicide cases. Those are tough cases. I certainly hope the public giving their votes for me is showing they trust what thy have had for the past 20 years — a great team of people.”

Both Hershberger and McAlexander alluded to the county’s quest for a new jail in light of a federal lawsuit and a verdict on behalf of inmates. Both said they understand the need to address the mental health needs of inmates as part of that solution.

McAlexander repeated his position, stated at a Tuesday night watch party, that the prosecutor’s office will not refuse to enforce laws written by the Indiana Legislature, even if the prosecutor’s office does not agree with those laws.

Shine said after Tuesday’s victories the GOP will fill all seats on the Allen County Council. “That’s historical. That’s a biggie,” he said. He said the sweep was completed thanks to the District 1 victory by “this guy who is so well liked out in eastern Allen County, the head of the fire district,” Josh Hale.

Hale thanked family and volunteers, with special thanks to campaign worker Jon Stauffer, “who was the silent hero for our campaign.”

“A win for me is a win for the Republican Party, because it was a team effort,” Hale said.

The luncheon crowd also heard thanks from council winners Harris, District 2; Paul Lageman, District 3; and Don Wyss, District 4.

The crowd also heard from Commissioners Therese Brown, reelected in District 2, and Richard Beck, reelected in District 3; Nicole Keesling, who ran unopposed for county recorder; and several township officials.

The party also counted victories for Congress, the U.S. Senate and many state offices and legislative contests. Shine said although the GOP did not realize the “red wave” it had expected nationwide, Tuesday’s election was a resounding victory for the GOP in Allen County.