Youngest Monroe County GOP leader in history, Taylor Bryant, resigns

Taylor Bryant was an 18-year-old Indiana University freshman when she took the reins of Monroe County’s Republican Party, the youngest local party leader in history.

Three years later, she’s stepping out of the role. She said it’s too expensive to live in the community where she grew up; and she’s moved out of the county and no longer is eligible to complete her 4-year term.

Vice chairman William Ellis, who resigned the top leadership position in 2021 and was replaced by Bryant, will resume the role and complete her term as of July 25.

Bryant said she will remain active in Monroe County Republican politics, where she’s been a volunteer and supporter since she was 13 years old.

She promised to continue her support for local Republican candidates, especially Joe VanDeventer and Randy Cassady, both running for county commissioner.

Running against Julie Thomas:Cassady crosses over to become GOP Monroe County commissioner candidate

Sitting next to her during a 4-minute video announcing her departure was Ellis, who vowed to work hard to fill the leadership role Bryant is passing back to him.

“We have the best shot at capturing those commissioner seats this year,” he said during the video. “I am going to get these candidates across the finish line.”

Local Republicans will embark on a party reorganization in the spring of 2025, Bryant said. Until then, she will stay involved.

“I will be walking with you in every parade, I’ll be cheering you on and I will continue to be there for Monroe County long past my term as chair because this is my home county.”

Contact H-T reporter Laura Lane at llane@heraldt.com or 812-318-5967.