Indiana delegate from Lafayette says he's hopeful after Republican convention

MILWAUKEE — Waking up Friday morning after spending the week attending the Republican National Convention, Chad Chism said the tune of "Back Home Again in Indiana" was playing in his head as he packed up his hotel room.

Chism, an alternate delegate for Indiana's Congressional District 4, said after having the chance to hear former President Donald Trump give his nomination acceptance speech, he is hopeful for the future as he heads home.

"Last night there was overall excitement that you could feel," Chism said. "But there is a general feeling of thankfulness, too, after that failed assassination attempt."

Chism said one of the moments in Trump's speech he found to be the most effective was the beginning, where Trump took a moment to acknowledge the shooting just days beforehand.

"In the beginning when he spoke about the assassination attempt, he said he would only talk about it once, and that was powerful for me," Chism said. "We could feel the overall concern from him and the thankfulness in his speech."

With 120 speakers scheduled throughout the week at the RNC, Chism said despite how busy the convention was, he felt it was very well put together, noting that the entire week stuck directly to the planned schedule.

But three speakers he felt particularly moved by included state Sen. Jim Banks, 98-year-old WWII veteran Sgt. William Pekrul, and Kai Trump.

Chism said he was proud of a strong presence for Indiana at the RNC, noting Indiana's section was positioned directly behind Florida's, which was first up against the stage, down on the convention floor.

"We had a great presence there. I love Indiana, so anytime our sate has the spotlight, it's so good to see," Chism said. "After this week, I am excited for our future. I am hopeful, and I want to see our country to continue its progress forward and be an affordable, strong and safe place for our children and the generations after them."

Jillian Ellison is a reporter for the Journal and Courier. She can be reached via email at jellison@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @ellison_writes.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Lafayette delegate says he's hopeful after Republican convention