Hamilton County will swear in a new prosecutor Dec. 30 after the county’s previous top attorney prematurely stepped down this month.
A group of county Republicans selected Josh Kocher, a longtime attorney in the Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office, as the next chief prosecutor in a special caucus of party insiders Dec. 29.
Kocher will replace Greg Garrison, who stepped down Dec. 20 after three years in the role because of imminent medical concerns. After two decades as a conservative talk radio host, Garrison came out of retirement to win the office in 2022.
Kocher seemed an obvious frontrunner to replace Garrison. He has worked in the prosecutor’s office since 2006, most recently as chief deputy prosecuting attorney, according to Hamilton County leaders. He served as interim chief prosecutor in Garrison’s absence.
“He brings a deep commitment to public service, respect for the rule of law, and a proven record of leadership that will prepare him to serve our community in this vital role,” Hamilton County Republican Party Chairman Mario Massillamany said in a statement.
Kocher will be sworn in Tuesday afternoon at the Hamilton County Courthouse.
To maintain the role, Kocher will have to win reelection in 2026. He already announced a campaign for the seat in early 2025.
Email IndyStar Reporter Jordan Smith at JTSmith@usatodayco.com. Follow him on X @jordantsmith09 and Bluesky @jordanaccidentally.bsky.social.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Hamilton County GOP selects new prosecutor after Garrison steps down
Reporting by Jordan Smith, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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