It's with deep sadness that we share the passing of Rexford "Rex" Early, chairman of the Indiana Republican Party from 1991 to 1993, and a Hoosier legend.

Rex started with "$40 and a run down single-wide trailer" and would go on to run for governor of Indiana in 1996, contributing so much to our state and our party throughout his storied life. (It should come as no surprise then that Rex would receive the Sagamore of the Wabash award from seven different governors.)

Becoming a regular on the cable TV show Indiana Week in Review with his colorful personality and infamous storytelling, Rex helped our conservative message reach thousands of Hoosiers and shape our image for decades. His book, A Mighty Thin Pancake That Don't Have Two Sides, would detail his six-decade influence in Republican politics and what came to be known as "Rexisms."

In addition to serving as chairman of the Indiana Republican Party, Rex served as a state representative for two years, elected at the age of 28. But above all else, he was a Marine. Rex served in Charley Company, First Battalion, 3rd Marines during the Korean War and earned the rank of Sergeant.

Rex was a true patriot, dedicated to his country and its ideals, his state, and his family.

Our sincerest condolences to Rex’s family and all who had the pleasure of calling him a friend and colleague.

Sincerely,

Chairman Kyle Hupfer

FILE: Governor Eric Holcomb speaks at a Zionsville Chamber of Commerce event earlier this year where he discussed how Indiana is strategically supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. (Apr. 18, 2022)

On Monday, Governor Eric Holcomb proclaimed this week (Nov. 14-20, 2022) Global Entrepreneurship Week in Indiana, recognizing the many contributions that entrepreneurs and innovators have made to Indiana’s economy and communities. 

As part of the state’s celebrations this week,  the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, whose board is chaired by Gov. Holcomb, announced new entrepreneurial ecosystem assets, launching Entrepreneurship Indiana, an annual publication honoring the entrepreneurial journey, and announcing a new website to help entrepreneurs start and grow their business.

Indiana is committed to investing in the growth and success of the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, which continues to inspire entrepreneurs and fuel new innovations, create quality jobs for Hoosiers, and attract record levels of capital investment. Indiana recently ranked as a Global Top 40 Emerging Ecosystem by Startup Genome, and six of the state’s cities were named among the 2022 Best Startup Cities in the Midwest with Indianapolis ranking No. 3.  

Upon receiving the news that former Indiana Republican Party Chairman Rex Early had passed away, longtime friends and colleagues shared statements.

Governor Eric Holcomb: "Rex was truly one of a kind—and most everyone who knew him would agree—Thank God for that. As a man of many eras, he was the Indiana Republican Party’s Iron Man. His support was coveted. From dog catcher to U.S. President, lines formed at his door for an endorsement. His wit was a weapon that could take over a room, or torpedo a campaign. He wore the ring, and just preferred you kiss it. Early, and Holcomb family roots run deep in Knox County Indiana, which probably means we’re somehow related. For that, I’ll forever be proud, and grateful to have known Rex, whose loyalty and devotion to our state and nation will never be surpassed. A true Marine, he fought up until his last stand and will forever be missed with a smile. Until we meet again, all Hail Rex."

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch: "It is with a heavy heart I learn that Rex Early has passed away. As a former state legislator and state GOP chairman, Rex was a devout advocate for Republican principles and conservative values. Indiana has lost a strong ally."

Attorney General Todd Rokita: "Our great state lost one of its best voices ever. My dear friend Rex Early was loved by all whether friend or opponent. He served as a state legislator, rescued the Indiana GOP at the time from bankruptcy, and would have been one of the best Governors in Indiana history. His stalwart leadership kept Indiana great and made America Great Again…but more than that he made politics and public service fun! Praying for Rex’s family and loved ones."

Secretary of State-elect Diego Morales: "Sad to learn of the passing of my friend Rex Early. Rex was a longtime leader and conservative champion for our state. I’m grateful for his leadership and for his friendship. My prayers are with his family."

Former Indiana Republican Party Chairman Mike McDaniel: "He's a great leader with a style like no other. A Hoosier through and through. He loved his family. He was a proud Marine. He was a driving force in Indiana politics for 50-plus years."

Former Steuben County Republican Central Committee Chairman Tony Culver: "Rex Early ... was a good friend of mine and he will be dearly missed! When I was the Steuben County Republican Chairman and Rex was running for Governor, I had him as a speaker at our Lincoln Day Banquet. Our friendship grew and I was invited to a number of events at his home over the years and the one that was most memorable, was the one with Colonel Chuck Yeager. Rex … God Bless and ‘Rest In Peace’ my Friend!"

On Monday night, Rep. Rudy Yakym (2nd District) was officially sworn in as a member of the 117th Congress, filling the remainder of the term of the late Rep. Jackie Walorski who passed away earlier this year in August.

You can watch his swearing-in and maiden House floor remarks by clicking above or by clicking here.

From The Hill:

In his first remarks on the House floor, the new congressman spoke about his predecessor.

“First, I want to acknowledge the late congresswoman Jackie Walorski,” Yakym said. “Jackie delivered results for the district, and she had the utmost respect of her colleagues in the room.”

“As her successor, I will work every day to honor her memory and uphold her impeccable work ethic,” he added.

Yakym said, “It’s the honor of a lifetime to stand here tonight representing Indiana’s 2nd Congressional District.”

“To the Hoosiers who have placed their trust in me to best represent them in this House, the people’s House, thank you. I ask for your continued prayer for wisdom as we work to make our nation a more perfect union,” he said, before making a call for unity.

“Yes, there are real policy issues that need to be addressed, like our massive deficit and 40-year high inflation rates. But just as importantly, our country needs unity, and it starts right here,” he added.

Last Wednesday after caucusing, state House and Senate Republicans voted to maintain its current leadership for the upcoming 123rd General Assembly.

In the House

Speaker Todd Huston — Speaker of the House

Rep. Matt Lehman — Majority Floor Leader

Rep. Greg Steuerwald — Majority Caucus Chair

Speaker Todd Huston: "I'm humbled and honored to be selected to continue serving in this leadership position, and I'm excited about the future of our state. We have an incredibly talented team, and we're going to keep our focus on issues important to Hoosier families and businesses, and ensure Indiana continues to live within its means."

Chairman Kyle Hupfer: “Congratulations to Speaker Todd Huston on being reelected to once again lead the Republican caucus in the statehouse. Under his leadership, the House Chamber has delivered results for Hoosiers on the most important issues. I look forward to the upcoming session where we will continue to do just that. 

In the Senate

President Pro Tem Sen. Rod Bray — President Pro Tem

Sen. Chris Garten — Majority Floor Leader

Sen. Travis Holdman — Majority Caucus Chair

President Pro Tem Bray: "It is truly an honor and privilege to serve as Pro Tem of this esteemed body. This job would not be possible without the support of each of our talented senators, and I'm grateful to my fellow caucus members for again putting their trust in me. The 2023 session will have many challenges and opportunities as we look to improve our state for all Hoosiers, and as always, Senate Republicans will be committed to passing a balanced budget that funds our priorities while living within our means."

Chairman Kyle Hupfer: "Congratulations to State Sen. Rod Bray on his reelection as President Pro Tem. Under his disciplined and thoughtful leadership, the state senate has passed legislation to cut taxes, put more money into Hoosiers’ pockets, and invest in our people and places. I look forward to the upcoming session and the process he will lead as we continue to move Indiana forward.”

Indiana has again received the highest award for financial reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) thanks to the hard work provided by Indiana’s financial team led by Auditor of State Tera Klutz, CPA.

GFOA awarded Indiana the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the state’s 2021 Annual Comprehensive Financial report (ACFR), which is prepared by the Auditor of State and audited by the State Board of Accounts.

“The Certificate of Achievement from the GFOA is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and a huge accomplishment by our team,” said Klutz. “Compiling this annual report requires an extremely high level of detail, accuracy and persistence in gathering information. Year after year, Indiana continues to showcase our talent for responsible reporting.”

The in-depth report accounts for all the state’s financial data for all of Indiana’s funds. The report also includes other financial, demographic, economic and statistical information.

“Indiana’s ACFR is one of the main components used by the nationally recognized statistical rating organizations to review and analyze Indiana’s financial condition, and assign a credit rating,” Klutz added. “The state’s credit currently has a AAA rating, which means lower costs for borrowing and reassures Hoosiers that Indiana’s financial health is strong.”

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Governor Eric Holcomb remembers Rex Early

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch meets with farmers and agribusiness owners in Tipton

Treasurer Kelly Mitchell celebrates 10-year anniversary of Indiana's Lifeline law

Auditor Tera Klutz celebrates financial reporting award

Secretary of State Holli Sullivan thanks election heroes

Attorney General Todd Rokita shares tentative settlement of $53 million with Walmart for its role in opioid epidemic

Senator Todd Young pens op-ed on "zombie" war authorizations

Senator Mike Braun holds Hoosier Huddle

Congressman Rudy Yakym meets with House Minority Leader Rep. Kevin McCarthy

Congressman Jim Banks joins Fox News Sunday to discuss Republicans' agenda in the majority

Congressman Jim Baird slams unchecked Congressional spending

Congresswoman Victoria Spartz joins Fox & Friends Sunday to discuss Biden energy decisions

Congressman Greg Pence honors friend Anthony "Tony" Moravec on the House floor

Congressman Larry Bucshon shares support for his SAVE Act

Congressman Trey Hollingsworth celebrates local business induction into Indiana Manufacturers Hall of Fame

Congresswoman-elect Erin Houchin visits with Hoosiers on Capitol Hill

PAID FOR BY THE INDIANA REPUBLICAN STATE COMMITTEE. WWW.INDIANA.GOP.