Teacher. Coach. Proven Leader.
Jim Kocal:
Not a Career Politician
Jim has spent his life working, teaching, coaching, and helping others succeed.
After more than 25 years living in Valparaiso, Jim has seen firsthand how decisions made behind closed doors impact everyday families across Porter County.
Now, he’s stepping up to bring honest, transparent, and
accountable leadership back to the county government, because too many residents feel like their voices are no longer being heard.
Jim grew up in East Chicago and has proudly called Porter County home for over two decades.
He’s built his career as a high school science teacher and as a professional in the pharmaceutical industry, giving him real-world experience in problem-solving, budgeting, and planning for the future. As a husband and father, Jim understands the pressures families are facing today - rising costs, growing uncertainty, and decisions that seem to put everyone else ahead of local residents. That’s why he’s running.
If your costs are going up, you deserve to know why.
Too often, decisions are made without clear answers or public input, leaving families to foot the bill.
Jim Kocal will bring transparency back to county government and make sure every decision is guided by one simple principle: Every decision should put Porter County families first.