This week a shockwave was sent through the local political scene when City-County Council member Jose Evans announced he will switch political parties, a move that will impact council votes on critical issues.
On Tuesday, Evans announced he has changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Although the decision came as a surprise to many, Evans said he had given it much consideration, prayer and thought.
“This didn’t just happen overnight,” he said. “I realized the leadership and politics of the Republican Party is together, they are making changes, jobs are being created, roads are being improved and those are the things I want to be a part of. I want to make a difference and not be a hindrance to progress.”
Using a grassroots campaign, Evans was first elected to represent a Pike Township district on the council in 2007, and was re-elected in 2011.
Evans, who had become a Democrat in 1996, said he “learned a lot of lessons” from his time with the party, which included a brief run for the nomination for mayor in 2011. He noted that he was not slated by the party during his first council run, although the party did actively support him in his re-election campaign.
“I fought my way in,” Evans said. “They respected me because I won and I was a councilor, but I never had the full respect.”
He added that he was also turned off by what he described as infighting and “games” among council Democrats, and had “just had enough.”
Prior to being elected to public office, Evans served as director of the Commission on the Social Status of Black Males under Gov. Frank O’Bannon, director of the Black and Latino Policy Institute and director of minority and women business enterprises under Mayor Bart Peterson.
Evans, who describes himself as both African-American and Latino, is one of 10 minorities on the 29-member council. He becomes the first African- American Republican on the council since Barbara Malone left office in 2011.
Evans believes his switch will be good for the African-American and Latino community, saying that minorities need to have a voice in both major parties for progress to occur.
“This move is brilliant for the Republicans because I have a reputation within our community for standing up for our issues and our causes, and not backing down,” he said. “Sure, I’ll have to vote along party lines sometimes,” he said. “But when it comes to real life issues that really affect our community, I’m the person that can be a voice in the Republican Party who has respect from our community, and because people know I will stand up for them, it will make it easier for the community to listen to what the party has to say.”
Evans’ departure comes at a critical time when the council has been voting on a variety of important issues.
Democratic leaders were praised by supporters for reacting to this week’s news with class and graciousness, despite the fact that Evans’ move will suddenly reduce their already slim majority on the council from 16-13 to 15-14.
After receiving news of his departure from her caucus, Council President Maggie Lewis issued a statement about Evans saying, “We thank him for his service and wish him well in his endeavors.”
Newly elected Marion County Democratic Chairman Joel Miller also wished Evans well, adding, “As with any Republican, I certainly look forward to spirited political campaigns against him in the coming years.”
Republican leaders, who joined Evans during a press conference for his announcement, have readily welcomed him into their ranks.
Indiana Republican Party Chairman Eric Holcomb and Marion County Republican Party Chairman Kyle Walker said the GOP is fortunate to have Evans, with Walker describing him as a “perfect fit” and a strong voice on a variety of issues.
“The message of our party is one of inclusion,” added Holcomb. “Jose’s leadership will be critical as we broaden our base, build our economy, and give our children the best education possible.”
When asked if the change in party affiliation will reduce support in his increasingly Democratic district, Evans said the core group of about 20 volunteers who have assisted him is still on board.
One of them, Henry May, said he is sticking with Evans and backs his decision.
“It’s not about party, it’s about principles,” he said. “Jose’s party may change, but his honesty and integrity will not.”
