The Champaign County Republicans elected new officers Wednesday evening, including its chairman position.

Former Chairman Steve Hartman stepped down as Jason Barickman was nominated and elected to the position. Rep. Tim Johnson (R-15) said he knew what degree of commitment the position required.

“His energy, intelligence, wisdom, fresh ideas . are something that will serve this party very well,” Johnson said about Barickman.

Hartman expressed his gratitude for the help he had received during his time as chairman, and said that Barickman would take the party “over the top” and was excited about the new leadership.

“Get ready to work hard,” Hartman said. “We have a wonderful opportunity ahead of us.”

Barickman said that Hartman has been a great mentor for him and was grateful to have Johnson’s support. Barickman also said he was looking forward to working with fellow members.

Taking back the county board to a Republican majority and getting local candidates elected to state office were goals mentioned by Barickman for the local party’s future. Barickman said what they could provide would be grassroots support.

“We’re all going to sit in a room on election day and say, ‘We turned our county red again,'” Barickman said. “We can carry Champaign County.”

The local party also nominated and elected Greg Knott for vice chairman, Lisa Mettler for secretary, Brett Penick for treasurer and Jerry Clark for state central committeeman.