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'It's Not Over Yet' - Bartholomew Co. Council candidate pursuing recount after razor-thin race

Friday, May 8, 2026 at 2:18 PM

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Bartholomew County Council Republican candidate Mark Bense is considering filing an appeal to ask for a recount or pursue other legal options following an extremely close Tuesday election.

In the 2026 Republican Primary, incumbent Leah Beyer was projected to win after receiving 868 votes compared to Bense's 861. Bense overtook Beyer's lead earlier in the night as the votes were counted, before absentee ballots added seven additional votes for Beyer. According to Bense, the various personnel at the Bartholomew County Courthouse "refused to speak to him" regarding the election. 

Mark Bense has not conceded the race and is currently pursuing an appeal for a recount and potential further legal measures. According to Bense, "They say...you can't fight City Hall. Well, I can fight it with the people behind me, with the listeners behind me."

Bense sat down with LND News Director Random Allen for an interview regarding the election and potential next steps. 

 

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