An Indiana county council candidate said she would ‘fire all Republicans’ at a televised forum, then ended with ‘We have guns too’

Jaime West, a Democratic candidate for the council in Fayette County, in east central Indiana, said she would “fire all Republicans” if elected. She ended a televised forum for candidates with the words “We have guns too.” According to Fox News, a clip of the forum was posted on X. The forum took place on Oct. 9 and was co-hosted by local TV3 and the Connersville News-Examiner, according to another report on the event.

West’s Republican opponent, Gary Keener Jr., did not attend because of prior business commitments. The moderator read a statement from him, in which he said he had “never been more excited and committed to work diligently and tirelessly.” His statement also described goals of local economic growth, a broader tax base from new industrial and commercial businesses, and lower burdens on taxpayers.

In her opening remarks, West said she had not prepared a written statement to read. The moderator later asked which choice she would make in office that voters might not like. She replied that she would be firing all Republicans. West said, “I don’t even talk to them. I don’t like them.” She also said she would not raise taxes. West described herself as a mother, a small business owner and a gig worker who delivers groceries and packages.

Sheriff disputes West’s claim about his nephew

West said the nephew of a sheriff threatened to “blow my head off,” and that MAGA supporters had threatened her many times to her face. She added that people “call you names.” Zac Jones runs the sheriff’s office in Fayette County, where West is running. Asked about the nephew claim, he gave the outlet a statement. “I don’t know Jaime West, and she obviously doesn’t know me,” he said. “I have five nieces and zero nephews.”

West also drew a line between “good Republicans,” some of whom she said “actually get it,” and supporters of the MAGA movement. She described those supporters as “just racist and aren’t very intelligent at all.” Speaking about immigration enforcement in local communities, she told viewers, “Y’all did this to us.” She added, “You made this happen.”

After a pause, the moderator invited her to share a last message with voters. “We have guns too,” West said. The moderator then told viewers the election takes place on Nov. 3. Reports say West was unavailable for comment when contacted. Indiana county councils act as the county’s fiscal body, which means they set tax rates, approve budgets and decide pay for county officials and employees.

West and Keener are competing for a seat on that body in the Nov. 3 general election. Candidates elsewhere have also made pledges about local officials this fall, including Los Angeles mayoral candidate Nithya Raman, who would replace LAPD’s chief.