State Senate recount in Allen County loses an attorney but starts Tuesday

Congressional staffer Darren Vogt is moving forward with a recount in his 14-vote loss to state Sen. Liz Brown, even after his lawyer pulled out of the case.

James J. Ammeen Jr. sent a letter to Vogt on June 25 withdrawing from the case.

“Today, I received an email from the Recount Director. It indicates that your recount is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM EDT, ‘at the earliest.’ You are on notice that you need to be there, but that I will not be there. If you desire to have a lawyer present, you need to take steps to find a substitute.”

Two paragraphs were blacked out in the letter. Vogt did not answer the Capital Chronicle’s question of why Ammeen withdrew.

He also didn’t respond to a question about a new lawyer, but said, “yes we are still moving forward.”

Certified vote tallies for Senate District 15, which is entirely in Fort Wayne’s Allen County, gave Brown a lead of 5,241 to 5,227 over Vogt in the May 5 primary.

The recount of ballots is scheduled for June 30 in Fort Wayne at the Rousseau Center. It could extend into a second day.

Recount Director Evan Norris accepted Ammeen’s withdrawal.

The Indiana Recount Commission consists of three members and is chaired by Secretary of State Diego Morales. The Democratic member is Michael Clayton.

Earlier this month, Brown sought the recusal of Indianapolis attorney Paul Mullin from involvement in the recount because he contributed to Vogt’s campaign. Mullin withdrew and was replaced with Republican Mark Wynn.

Brown, who is seeking her fourth term, faced a bitter primary against Vogt. He is a staffer to U.S. Sen. Jim Banks.

Meanwhile, Vogt has filed for reelection to the Northwest Allen County Schools board.