A private GOP caucus chose King in a narrow vote Tuesday evening to replace Christy Stutzman, who recently resigned her seat to focus on her family’s business (and blaming Gov. Eric Holcomb’s COVID-19 restrictions in the process).

Stutzman endorsed King to take her seat, calling her a “principled conservative” and a problem solver.

King, who runs a small business, is also a longtime local school board member. She touted that experience to the precinct caucus, calling herself a strong conservative voice, not afraid to stand toe-to-toe with anyone.

King is the 15th lawmaker in the last four years to initially join the General Assembly via a private caucus election.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.