Porter County Republican Party Chair Michael Simpson has appointed two people to fill open slots on the Portage ballot for the November general election but said he’s considering additional candidates for that and other municipalities.

He appointed Victoria Gresham to fill the City Council’s at-large vacancy. She joins Austin Bonta for that post; the two will vie against Democrats Ferdinand Alvarez and Debbie Podgorski as voters select two of the four candidates.

Dennis Wells will face Democrat Gina Giese-Hurst in the election for the District 1 seat.

“The Porter County Republican Party is excited for these two persons joining the ballot in Portage for the fall general election,” Simpson said in a prepared statement. “They are both thoughtful and experienced persons who bring a strong work ethic and commitment to each race and add to a strong Republican ticket in Portage. We appreciate their commitment to campaigning and meeting and talking with the residents of Portage along with their willingness to serve the city if elected.”

Republicans also have open spots in the Portage election for the District 2 and District 5 seats; candidates there would face Democrats Patrick Clem and Collin Czilli, respectively.

The deadline for party chairs to fill open ballot positions is June 30, but because that falls on a Sunday this year, officials have until July 1.

Simpson, who announced the appointments Tuesday, said he is looking into candidates to fill the additional slots in Portage and other municipalities before that deadline.

Beverly Shores, Burns Harbor, Chesterton, Hebron, Kouts, Ogden Dunes, Pines and Porter also have ballot vacancies, according to the county’s election webpage.

Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.