County

Coroner, Porter County

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The coroner investigates sudden, violent or unexplained deaths and determines their cause.

Candidates Compare by issue

Julie Wiencken-Smith

Democratic

Biology lab technician, Valparaiso University; deputy coroner

The gist

Proposes higher pay to retain deputy coroners
Proposes seeking grants for coroner training and equipment
Pledges compassion and kindness toward grieving families

More about Julie

View sources (1)

Proposes higher pay to retain deputy coroners
VOTE411 Voter Guide: Porter County Coroner
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Raise the salary to insure deputy retention.”
Proposes seeking grants for coroner training and equipment
VOTE411 Voter Guide: Porter County Coroner
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Look into available grants for department education and equipment.”
Pledges compassion and kindness toward grieving families
VOTE411 Voter Guide: Porter County Coroner
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Bring compassion and kindness to the office of the coroner.”

Brian Bowles

Republican

Chief Deputy Coroner, Porter County

The gist

Proposes police partnerships to strengthen deputy coroner training
Supports growing the coroner's office with the county
Pledges work with police to hold killers accountable

More about Brian

View sources (1)

Proposes police partnerships to strengthen deputy coroner training
Brian Bowles for Porter County Coroner
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Brian Bowles · brianbowlesforcoroner.com
“I am looking to utilize my relationships with our local law enforcement partners to bolster our deputy training.”
Supports growing the coroner's office with the county
Brian Bowles for Porter County Coroner
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Brian Bowles · brianbowlesforcoroner.com
“I want to grow the office to keep pace with the county's growth.”
Pledges work with police to hold killers accountable
Brian Bowles for Porter County Coroner
Campaign website · Committee to Elect Brian Bowles · brianbowlesforcoroner.com
“work tirelessly with our law enforcement brothers and sisters to hold the person accountable”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 3 issues covered in this race.