96 Remembering Jackie Walorski, Zachery Potts, and Emma Thomson In
light of the tragic loss of our friends and colleagues Rep. Jackie
Walorski, Zachery Potts, and Emma Thomson on Wednesday, this week's
edition of The Party Line will look a little different as we are
dedicating its entirety in memory of them.

Shortly after the news
broke, I sent the following email out to members of the Indiana
Republican Party:

"It is with a heavy heart that I send this email.
"This afternoon [Wednesday] Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and two
members of her team, Zach Potts and Emma Thomson, were killed in a
tragic car accident in northern Indiana.

"Looking back on the life of
Congresswoman Walorski, one key theme that continuously pops up is that
of service. In her years representing the people of northern Indiana as
both a state representative and member of Congress, she built a legacy
of selfless service. It was a privilege of mine to work alongside her,
as I have never met a more fierce or effective fighter for what she
believed in.

"As many of you know, in his 'free time,' Zach was a key
member of the Indiana Republican State Committee. He spent his entire
adult career in service to the St. Joseph County Republican Party, the
Indiana Republican Party, and the people of Indiana's Second
Congressional District. Zach was a friend and colleague, and I will miss
him dearly.

"It takes an incredible team to work and stand beside an
effective elected official like Congresswoman Walorski. There were no
better examples than Zach and Emma, who served not only her, but their
district, state, and country.

"I ask all Hoosiers to please join me
in praying for the families of each of the victims of this tragic
accident as we mourn these difficult losses."

Sincerely,

Chairman
Kyle Hupfer
 Rest in Peace, Rep. Jackie Walorski
Jackie
Walorski, a native of South Bend, Ind., served as a state representative
for Indiana's 21st District from 2005 to 2010 and as a member of
Congress for Indiana's 2nd Congressional District from 2013 to 2022.
Jackie lived the quintessential American Dream.

The daughter of a
firefighter, small business owner, and Air Force veteran, she learned
the value of public service and hard work at a young age, two values
that would define her career and life in many ways.

Jackie, devout in
her Christian faith, moved to Romania in 2000 along with her beloved
husband Dean as missionaries and founded Impact International, an agency
to help provide food and medical supplies to the country’s impoverished
children. Her servant's heart would lead her in a different direction
when she returned back home to Indiana.

In 2004, she was elected to
her first of three terms in the Indiana House of Representatives. Jackie
quickly rose to leadership in the Republican caucus and became a leading
fighter for fiscal responsibility, working to balance Indiana's budget,
lower taxes, and eliminate wasteful spending. She represented her
constituents with unmatched passion, something she would continue to do
as a member of Congress.

In 2012, Jackie was elected to the first of
five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. She was known as a
"quiet force," not the type to find her way to the front for a photo op.
But if she had an issue, she wasn't afraid to face it head on in a civil
but direct manner. Jackie put her constituents above all else,
particularly veterans, ensuring that every one of them could achieve the
American Dream like she had.

She was an inspiration to her colleagues
on both sides of the aisle and always had a good story to tell.
Jackie leaves behind a legacy of selfless service, one that will be
remembered in Hoosier history for decades to come. The Republican Party,
northern Indiana, the country, and indeed, the world, are all better
because of her service.

Rest in peace, Jackie.
  Rest in
Peace, Zachery Potts
Zachery Potts, a native of Mishawaka, Ind., had
served as Rep. Jackie Walorski's campagin manager since 2017 and her
district director since 2020. He was also the chairman of the St. Joseph
County Republican Party and a member of the Indiana Republican State
Committee.

The story of his ascension in government and politics is a
great American tale.

Zach began to get deeply involved in campaigns
in 2014 when he started volunteering for Rep. Walorski and the entire
Republican Party ticket. If he wasn't talking Star Wars, he was working
hard to make sure good leaders were elected in his community. There was
no job that was beneath Zach; he consistently showed up and delivered
with a smile on his face. While he could do it all, he quickly became
known as "The Machine" for his ability to make more voter contacts each
day than any other volunteer in the state.

After the 2014 election
cycle, Zach focused on continuing to gain new experiences and quickly
worked his way up the ladder. It seemed like before anyone had blinked,
Zach was elected as chairman of the St. Joseph County Republican Party
and became Rep. Walorski's campaign manager and district director. In
2021, Zach took his service statewide when he ran and was elected as a
member of the Indiana Republican State Committee. Zach had an uncanny
knack of finding himself in leadership positions at a very young age,
and he didn't disappoint.

Despite not even being 30, his resume of
service was much longer and more distinguished than most have in their
lifetime. He was the epitome of a public servant who cared deeply about
his community, state, and country.

While Zach will be greatly missed,
his legacy of leadership and service will not soon be forgotten. St.
Joseph County, the state of Indiana, and the country are all better
because of his service.

Rest in peace, Zach.
  Rest in Peace,
Emma Thomson
Emma Thomson, a native of Johnstown, Pa., had served as
Rep. Jackie Walorski's communications director since July 2021.

Emma
was a graduate of George Washington University and a longtime member of
Capitol Hill Baptist Church. Prior to her role with Rep. Walorski, she
served as a press assistant for Sen. Marco Rubio's 2016 presidential
campaign. After that, she served as communications director for Rep.
Michael Burgess (TX-26) from 2017 to 2019, and Rep. John Joyce (PA-13)
from 2019 to 2021. Emma also served as the campaign manager for Rep.
Joyce during his successful 2020 election bid.

As you will read below
in statements from elected officials she previously worked with, Emma
was a dedicated public servant that exceled in every role she held. She
cared deeply about her country and served it with honorable distinction.
Rest in peace, Emma.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio

"Today Emma Thomson
who did an amazing job on my 2016 Presidential campaign lost her life in
an auto accident in Indiana. She was a smart & talented communicator and
an amazing young woman. Jeanette & I send our deepest condolences to her
family May she rest in eternal peace."

U.S. Rep. John Joyce (PA-13)
"Alice and I are absolutely heartbroken and devastated by the news of
the passing of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, along with her staff
members Emma Thomson and Zachery Potts. For two years, I had the
privilege and honor to work with Emma Thomson. Emma’s intelligence,
creativity, drive, determination and humor were second to none.
“Emma’s work ethic was unparalleled. In addition to leading my first
re-election campaign, Emma was the voice of our team – connecting with,
and reassuring, our constituents throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nobody did more to make sure that the lights stayed on and our office
stayed in communication with our constituents during those challenging
and difficult times than Emma.

“A proud alumna of Bishop McCort High
School, Emma loved her hometown of Johnstown and the communities where
she grew up in Cambria County, Pennsylvania. Simply put, there was no
greater champion for Johnstown and Cambria County in Washington, D.C.,
than Emma Thomson. Our heartfelt and most sincere condolences go out to
Emma’s parents, Linda and David, her sister, Molly, and all who knew and
loved her.”

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (TX-26)

"I am heartbroken
for Linda, David and molly Thomson, the family of cherished former
staffer Emma Thomson. North Texas, Pennsylvania, and Hoosiers are
fortunate to have benefited from her heart for public service."
 Local, State, and National Leaders ReactU.S. Senator Todd Young
"I'm truly devastated. Jackie loved Hoosiers and devoted her life to
fighting for them. I'll never forget her spirit, her positive attitude,
and most importantly her friendship. All of Indiana mourns her passing,
along with the tragic deaths of her staff Emma Thomson and Zach Potts.
Please join me in praying for their families in this difficult time."
U.S. Senator Mike Braun

"Jackie Walorski was a tireless advocate for
the Hoosiers she represented and a kind friend to everyone she met. She
faithfully served her constituents and her Lord and Savior, and I trust
she is now wrapped in the arms of Christ. This is a devastating loss,
and we grieve for her two staff members – Zach and Emma – who had their
whole lives ahead of them. Please join me and Maureen in praying for the
families and friends of those lost on this tragic day for Indiana.”
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan (IN-01)

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the
sudden passing of my Indiana colleague and Congressional-district
neighbor Rep. Jackie Walorski. I am grateful for our all too brief
shared time together in the U.S. House of Representatives and appreciate
her consistent friendship, example of public service, and openness to
conversation. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends
during this difficult time, as well as with the loved ones of her staff
member Emma Thomson and St. Joseph County Republican Chair Zachery
Potts."

U.S. Rep. Jim Banks (IN-03)

"My heart is broken for Dean,
the Walorski family, and all who knew and loved my friend Jackie. Jackie
was a true public servant - selfless, humble, and compassionate. She was
a devout Christian, a passionate advocate for life, and a leader among
Hoosier representatives. Everything Jackie did was to serve others.
Before Congress, she served in the Indiana Statehouse and she and her
husband served as missionaries in Romania where they provided
impoverished children food and medical care. From my first day in
Congress, Jackie showed me kindness and grace. She had a heart of gold,
and I will miss her dearly. Please join Amanda and I in praying for
Jackie's loved ones and the friends and family of her two staff members
who also lost their lives in this tragic accident."

U.S. Rep. Jim
Baird (IN-04)

"My heart is heavy with the news from northern Indiana.
Jackie was a true friend & an incredible colleague. Hoosiers have lost a
champion & dedicated public servant. Danise's & my prayers are with the
Walorski family, as well as the families of the two staff members who
passed."

U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05)

"My thoughts and
prayers are with Congresswoman Jackie Walorksi’s family and all the
families affected by this heartbreaking tragedy. Jackie was a good
friend and a strong fighter for our country and our freedoms. She will
be missed dearly."

U.S. Rep. Greg Pence (IN-06)

"Denise and I, and
our whole team are deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski’s passing.

"She was a dear friend and
trusted mentor who always had serving Hoosiers at the top of her mind.
She worked tirelessly on behalf of the community she loved, and words
cannot describe what a tremendous loss this is for the State of Indiana
and our Nation.

"I ask everyone to join me in praying for the
Congresswoman’s family, friends, staff and those she served during this
difficult time."

U.S. Rep. André Carson (IN-07)

"I am heartbroken
to hear of the untimely passing of my colleague, Congresswoman Jackie
Walorski, two of her Senior Staffers and others who passed today in an
automobile crash in Northern Indiana. I, along with all Hoosiers are
devastated by this loss. I am praying for the families, the staff and
constituents of the 2nd Congressional District of Indiana."

U.S. Rep.
Larry Bucshon (IN-08)

"I am devastated and heartbroken by the deaths
of my colleague and friend Jackie Walorski and her staff members Zachary
Potts and Emma Thomson in a car crash earlier today. My thoughts and
prayers go out to all of their families and friends."

U.S. Rep. Trey
Hollingsworth (IN-09)

"Today, Indiana and our country mourn the loss
of three incredible public servants. Jackie Walorski was an unparalleled
advocate for Hoosiers with a fierce love for her family and her country.
I know her staffers, Emma Thomson and Zachery Potts, shared her
conviction for selfless service, and I am heartbroken over our great
state’s and nation’s loss."

U.S. Rep. Kevin McCarthy (CA-23),
Republican Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives

"This news is
absolutely devastating. Jackie was a dear friend, trusted advisor, and
the embodiment of integrity who achieved the admiration and respect of
all her colleagues in the House. She was passionate about empowering
children and families in Indiana and around the world to thrive. Her
experience running a foundation in Romania that provided food and
medical supplies to needy children clearly informed her time in
Congress. Whether she was fighting for justice for fentanyl victims or
advocating for educational choice for children, she always put others
first.

“When there was a vacancy for Republican leader of the Ethics
Committee, she was my first call. Everyone who knew Jackie knows she was
tough, but fair – a no nonsense, straight shooter who knew that Congress
must reflect the will of the people with decency and honesty. The House
will greatly miss Jackie’s compassion, dedication, and integrity, but we
should all seek to honor her memory by living our lives with the same
commitment to others that Jackie lived hers.

“I spoke with Dean and
offered my deepest condolences and also share those with the families of
Zachery Potts and Emma Thomson. Like Jackie, they were committed to
making the country a better place and represent what it means to be a
true public servant.”

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise (LA-01), Republican
Whip of the U.S. House of Representatives

"I am devastated and
saddened to learn about the tragic passing of my dear friend Jackie
Walorksi and two of her staffers.

“Jackie was an instrumental member
of our conference, serving as a member of my deputy whip team for
several years. She was a champion for the people of Indiana, and she
will be remembered for her kindness, tenacity, and commitment to helping
others.

“Jackie and her staffers died serving her constituents. They
will be missed, and our nation will miss their service. My prayers are
with Jackie’s loving husband Dean, her entire family, and the families
of both of her staffers.”

United States Ambassador to the Holy See
and Former U.S. Senator for Indiana Joe Donnelly

"I am deeply
saddened by the death of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski today. We also
grieve for the loss of life of Zachery Potts, Emma Thomson, and Edith
Schmucker. This is a terrible tragedy."

Republican Candidate for
IN-01 Jennifer-Ruth Green

"I’m extremely heartbroken to hear the news
of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski’s passing. Her 9 years of service to
our country were incredibly honorable. As a candidate, she was a
consistent encouragement to me, and I’m grateful for her kindness. The
Walorski, Potts, Thomson, and Schmucker families are in our prayers."
Republican Candidate for IN-07 Angela Grabovsky

"I was deeply
saddened to hear the news about our friend, Congresswoman Jackie
Walorski, and her colleagues, Zachery Potts and Emma Thomson. Jackie was
a true servant of the people, providing strong leadership in the Indiana
Statehouse, in Congress and throughout her entire life. In 2000, Jackie
moved to Romania and demonstrated her compassion and commitment by
founding an organization that provided much-needed medical supplies and
care to impoverished children. She then remained in Romania and served
as a Christian missionary until 2004. Jackie Walorski had a servant's
heart and will be missed. Our prayers go out to her family, as well as
the families of Zachery and Emma."

Republican Candidate for IN-09
Erin Houhcin

"I am heartbroken over the shocking and untimely passing
of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. My prayers are with her family and the
families of her staffers who also passed, Zach, and Emma.

"Jackie was
a phenomenal public servant in Congress, the State Legislature and in
her overseas Christian missionary work in Eastern Europe.

"She was a
true friend and mentor to me and so many others. She was one of the
first to encourage me to run for Congress and never hesitated to offer
advice and assistance when called upon. Her upbeat, caring spirit, and
Christian faith provides an example I hope other leaders will emulate
for years to come and in doing so, her legacy will endure.

"Please
join me in praying for her husband, Dean, her family, and all those who
loved her. She will be deeply missed."

Governor Eric Holcomb
"Janet and I are devastated by the tragic loss of our friend
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and her two staffers - Emma Thomson and
Zach Potts - earlier today. Our broken hearts go out to her husband Dean
and the entire family during this time of unimaginable mourning. At
every level of public service Jackie was known to be a positive force of
nature, a patriot, and a relentless policy maker with an unwavering
loyalty to her constituents. Jackie’s record of achievement is
impossible to quantify. She will be remembered as a fighter with a huge
heart that always went the extra mile and I’ll treasure the times we
walked a few of those together. Every waking moment for her was
energetically devoted to improving the lives of all Hoosiers, the
epitome of a good and faithful servant. She, and the example she set,
will be missed every day forward."

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch

"I
was shocked and heartbroken when I received the news today about the
tragic death of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. Jackie and I served
together in the Indiana House of Representatives, and she was a fighter
for her constituents and conservative Hoosier values. My heart goes out
to her husband, Dean, and the rest of her family and friends. She will
be deeply missed."

Secretary of State Holli Sullivan

"I am deeply
saddened by the loss of my dear friend Jackie Walorski. Jackie loved
Hoosiers, her country and served with honor in Congress. My prayers are
with her family as well as the families of Zachery Potts and Emma
Thomson."

Treasurer of State Kelly Mitchell

"I'm heartbroken at
the news of Jackie Walorski's passing. She was an upstanding public
servant, a tireless advocate, and a good friend. Our frequent
collaborations revealed her passion for our country, and she never shied
away from a challenge. She will be sorely missed. My prayers are with
her family, and with the families of Emma Thomson and Zachery Potts. We
lost three great Hoosiers yesterday."

Attorney General Todd Rokita
"Jackie Walorski was a woman who stood strong in her values, cared for
her family, and served Hoosiers well. I have many great memories and
stories of our time together in Congress and on the campaign trail. In
addition to everything else, she had a great sense of humor. She will be
missed. Our sympathies also go out to the families of Zach Potts and
Emma Thomson who died in the same tragic accident. Hoosiers across the
state mourn the loss of these public servants."

Speaker of the
Indiana House of Representatives Todd Huston

“Jackie was an
incredible public servant and tenacious advocate for Hoosiers, and my
heart breaks for her family and all those who knew her and served
alongside her. I'm grateful for Jackie's years of service and
friendship, and she's left an indelible impression on all of us. I'm
also praying for the families of her two young staff, and the other
driver who passed away in this tragic crash."

President Pro Tem of
the Indiana Senate Rodric Bray
"I am shocked and devastated to learn of
the deaths of Congresswoman Walorski and those who were involved in the
tragic car accident this afternoon. Congresswoman Walorski was a
ferocious advocate for her constituents and cared deeply about making
Indiana and our country a better place for all of us. I know my family,
and my colleagues here at the Statehouse, will be grieving alongside her
loved ones and constituents."

Republican Candidate for Secretary of
State Diego Morales

"Sidonia and I are saddened to hear the news of
the passing of our friend Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. Jackie was a
true public servant, serving Indiana in Congress for a decade. She was
an unwavering conservative and always stood up for what was right. Our
prayers are with Jackie's husband, Dean, and her family and those
impacted by this tragic accident."

"Sidonia and I are saddened to
hear the news of the passing of our friend Zach Potts. Zach was a leader
in the Republican Party, as Chairman of the St. Joseph County Republican
Party and the Chairman of the 2nd Congressional District. Our prayers
are with Zach's family and those impacted by this tragic accident."
Republican Candidate for Treasurer of State Dan Elliott

"Jackie was a
true servant not just in Congress, but in her community. She loved
Indiana and the people she served. We also remember Chairman Zach Potts
and Emma Thomson for their service to their community. Our family will
be praying for their families, staff, and all those who knew them at
this tragic time."

Former President of the United States Donald Trump
"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my good friend,
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, her aide Emma Thomson, and community
leader Zachery Potts. Jackie was a wonderful woman and an impassioned
advocate for the people of Indiana. We worked together very closely, and
I was privileged to know her for many years. May the families and loved
ones of Jackie, Emma, and Zachery find comfort during this tragic time.
They will be greatly missed!"

Former First Lady of the United States
Melania Trump

"It is heartbreaking to hear about the tragic loss of
Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. She was a wonderful advocate for
children. I had the privilege of working with her to help our Nation’s
youth, specifically our foster children. She had a servant’s heart, and
it was her mission to advocate for and help others. She will be deeply
missed. My heart and prayers are with her husband, the people of
Indiana, and the families and loved ones of Emma Thomson and Zach
Potts."

Former Governor of Indiana and Vice President of the United
States Mike Pence

"Karen Pence and I are heartbroken by the tragic
passing of our dear friend Rep. Jackie Walorski. She served Indiana in
the Statehouse and the Congress with integrity and principle for nearly
two decades and will be deeply missed."

Former U.S. Senator for
Indiana Dan Coats

“Marsha and I were shocked today to learn about the
loss of three dedicated public servants. Over the years, I joined Jackie
at parades and events, and we got to know each other well. I deeply
respected Jackie’s passion to serve Hoosiers. She was a dynamic
representative for northern Indiana who was valued and loved by all. On
this tragic day, we mourn the loss of Jackie and her two staff members,
and we pray for their family and friends.”

Former Governor of Indiana
and Current President of Purdue University Mitch Daniels

“There could
not be worse news. I’m heartsick at this tragedy. Jackie Walorski was a
great public servant, a brave and constant ally for change during all my
years in elected office, and a great representative of her district at
both the state and national levels. I can’t say how much I’ll miss her.”
Chairwoman of the Republican National Committee Ronna McDaniel

"I
am devastated to learn of the passing of my close friend, Congresswoman
Jackie Walorski. She was an incredible public servant for Hoosiers and
leader within the Republican Party."

President of the University of
Notre Dame Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C.

“The University community
deeply mourns the tragic passing of U.S. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski.
She was always a gracious and welcoming supporter of Notre Dame students
in Washington, D.C., and frequently invited our faculty to testify on
issues before Congress.

“Congresswoman Walorski was also an advocate
and supporter of key initiatives on campus, including the Notre Dame
Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities and its important work of
building evidence and data to strengthen anti-poverty intervention
programs.

“We pray for her and the other accident victims and their
families, including Jackie’s husband, Dean. May God welcome them into
eternal rest and give comfort to those who grieve their loss.”
President of Indiana University Pamela Whitten

"I am deeply saddened
by the sudden passing of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski and my thoughts
are with her family.

"Jackie and I spoke just says ago about IU
partnering with her Women in STEM caucus to help recruit more young
women into those fields. It is heartbreaking that she will not be able
to carry on this important work that she was so dedicated to.

"A
lifelong Hoosier and former IU South Bend employee, Jackie has long been
a good friend to Indiana University. Her service to the South Bend
community and the state contributed to a better future for us all."
 A Republican National Committee Resolution in Loving Memory of
Rep. Jackie Walorski Today, at its meeting in Chicago, Ill., the
Republican National Committee honored the life of Rep. Jackie Walorski
with an official resolution. The resolution was led by Chairman Kyle
Hupfer, National Committeeman John Hammond, and National Committeewoman
Anne Hathaway, and was unanimously adopted.
 Upcoming Republican
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Perry-Spencer Picnic
Friday, Aug. 19:
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omen-dinner Indiana Federation of Republican Women Tribute to Women
Dinner
Saturday, Aug. 20:
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Statewide Meeting
Sunday, Sept. 18:
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Johnson County Chairman's GOP Rally & Cookout
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