Josh Kocher, who had been serving as deputy county prosecutor for Hamilton County, has been named the county’s new prosecutor following the resignation of Prosecutor Greg Garrison.

Garrison stepped down from the elected position earlier this month, citing health reasons. Kocher assumed leadership of the office on an interim basis while the process to select a permanent replacement moved forward.

Under Indiana law, when a vacancy occurs in an elected office such as county prosecutor, the political party that held the office conducts a caucus of precinct officials to appoint a successor. It remains unclear whether Republican precinct officials met and achieved a quorum to conduct that vote or whether the appointment was made directly by the county Republican Party chair.

Regardless of the procedure used, Hamilton County officials confirmed Kocher’s appointment in a social media post, formally naming him Hamilton County Prosecutor. Kocher will serve in that role through the end of 2026.

The prosecutor’s seat will be on the ballot in 2026 for a new four-year term. Kocher has previously announced his intention to seek election to the office at that time.