From expensive mayoral races to first-time elections and historic decisions, our city has had its fair share of political highlights. Here we look back on what’s happened and the impact these moments will have on Indianapolis.
Joe Hogsett Wins his third term:
This year, Joe Hogsett won his third term against Republican Jefferson Shreve in the Indianapolis mayoral election. Hogsett won with 60% of the vote.
“Now, the voters have spoken, they have given us the chance to deliver on those challenges that yet remain because there are guns to get off our streets. There is affordable housing to build. There are students to support. There are small businesses to empower and 1.2 billion dollars in infrastructure to upgrade…” Hogsett said as he spoke to supporters shortly after he was re-elected.
Hogsett focused on public safety, job creation, and infrastructure improvement. Shreve criticized Hogsett’s economic development and policing record, citing staffing shortages in the police department.
This year’s race was the most expensive in Indianapolis history, according to the Indianapolis Business Journal. Shreve self-funded most of the $13 million used for his campaign, while Hogsett raised over $6 million himself, a number Hogsett’s campaign says exceeds his 2019 campaign.
Whitley Yates, director of diversity and engagement for the Indiana Republican Party, spoke about the race for Indianapolis Mayor.
“Well, I don’t think it was a terrible surprise. I think that Republicans have been trying to replicate the Greg Ballard victory of 2007 for a number of years, but I think Joe Hogsett really presented a compelling narrative about why he should be re-elected to a third term. And I think they ran a great campaign.”
Deb Whitfield becomes Mayor of Lawrence:
During the Lawrence township mayor election, Deb Whitfield became the first Black mayor in Marion County history. She won against Republican David Hofmann with 53% of the votes.
The Indiana Democratic party chairman Mike Schmuhl released a statement on Whitfield’s historic win:
“In this election, Lawrence voted for Deb Whitfield and a brighter future for families and workers across the city. Deb ran an inclusive campaign focused on the future of Lawrence – its neighborhoods, its public safety, and most importantly, its people.”
Whitfield has been a Lawrence resident for nearly 30 years. After moving, her family built connections in Lawrence through their neighborhood, schools, church, and community.
She entered politics during Derek Camp’s 2018 State Senate campaign. The following year Whitfield was elected to the Lawrence Common Council.
“Transparency with our residents is an absolute must. The City of Lawrence deserves someone with a strong voice and who has the ability to advocate on behalf of our citizens,” Whitfield told the Recorder in an interview earlier this year. “I wish to be that voice and unite our city, unite our neighborhoods.”
Indiana Abortion Law took into effect:
On August first, a near-total ban on abortion arrived in Indiana following a year-long fight to halt the law after the overturn of Roe V. Rade.
The law completely bans abortions except in cases where the woman’s life or health is at serious risk. Exceptions include a “lethal fetal anomaly” detected before 22 weeks or instances of rape or incest up to 12 weeks into the pregnancy, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights.
Indiana followed over 20 other states in near total abortion bans, joining a political wave that took over the entire country.
2023 has been marked by many political firsts and other moments shaping our state and country in new ways. Coming up in 2024, we look ahead to even more highly anticipated elections and pressing issues demanding resolution.
Contact Racial Justice Reporter Garrett Simms at 317-762-7847.
