Three candidates are vying for the Democratic ticket of county clerk in next month’s primary.
The county clerk oversees the processing and provision of documents for the clerk’s office. Key duties of the clerk’s office include issuing marriage licenses, processing court documents like claims and motions to dismiss, maintaining voter registrations and preparing ballots on election days.
Current County Clerk Nicole Brown cannot run again as she’s reached her term limit, which is set to no more than eight years within a 12-year period. The three Democrats vying for her position are Tanner Dale Branham, an executive assistant at Indiana University; Joe Davis, a self-employed contractor; and Tree Martin Lucas, a small business owner who previously worked at the clerk’s office as a chief deputy and election supervisor.
The Herald-Times asked all county clerk candidates to provide a brief statement outlining what relevant backgrounds and qualifications make them the best candidate for the role. Some answers have been edited for brevity, grammar and punctuation.
The primary is on Tuesday, May 5. Early voting begins on Tuesday, April 7.
Meet Chief Deputy Clerk, Young Democrats Chair Tanner Dale Branham
Tanner Dale Branham currently serves as Monroe County’s Chief Deputy Clerk and as the chair of the Monroe County Young Democrats. Branham works at Indiana University, where he previously served as a web services specialist and currently serves as an executive assistant in the Office of Enrollment Management. Branham has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana State University, where he graduated with a major in political science and a minor in legal studies.
Branham provided the following statement:
“I have been a dedicated democrat for my entire adult life, helping elect many of our local leaders. Technology is more important than ever, especially in the Clerk’s office, and I have a strong background in computing, having worked as a Web Specialist at IU for 6 years. I have years of experience doing project management, maintaining documentation and working collaboratively with others. My education background is a perfect fit for the job. I have the background and experience necessary to ensure that the clerk’s office runs smoothly and that the county has the best elections possible.”
Meet contractor, ‘bale builder’ Joe Davis
Joe Davis is a self-employed contractor and longtime resident who once gained celebrity in Bloomington for helping to construct a sustainable house with straw bale walls. In recent years, he’s butted heads with the city over his right to keep building materials in his front lot and backyard, which the city has deemed “junk.” Davis previously ran for a seat on the county council in 2024.
Davis did not provide a statement to the Herald-Times in time for publication. The Indiana Daily Student wrote that in a candidate forum for county clerk hosted by the League of Women Voters, Davis argued in favor of maintaining precinct voting over vote centers, saying precinct voting was more accessible for elderly, disabled and rural county residents.
Meet former Chief Deputy Clerk, small business owner Tree Martin Lucas
Tree Martin Lucas is a small business owner who previously served both as the election supervisor and chief deputy for the Clerk’s Office. Martin co-owns and operates a working farm and cattle calf business with her husband, which she says gives her daily experience with record management, operations, and problem-solving skills.
Lucas provided the following statement:
“I am running for Clerk of the Circuit Courts because this role requires proven experience, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the law. After years working within our county’s administrative and election systems, I am prepared to lead from day one with competence and integrity.
“As an election supervisor and chief deputy, I saw firsthand how critical accuracy, clear communication, and strong procedures are to maintaining public trust. I understand how easily that trust can be weakened by inconsistency or confusion—and how essential it is to get things right every time.
“The Clerk’s office is the backbone of our courts. Every filing, record, and deadline matters. Accuracy is not optional—it protects rights, ensures due process, and upholds confidence in our legal system. I take that responsibility seriously and have built my career around doing the job right.
“I am not running for a title—I am running to serve. This community deserves steady, experienced leadership that is professional, transparent, and accountable. I am ready to deliver an efficient, accessible, and trusted Clerk’s office from day one.”
Reach Brian Rosenzweig at brian@heraldt.com.
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Meet the 3 Democratic primary candidates for Monroe County clerk
Reporting by Brian Rosenzweig, The Herald-Times / The Herald-Times
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