Hogsett and Shreve set to face off in the general election

Marion County voters decided the two candidates who will compete in the Indianapolis mayoral race this November: Incumbent Joe Hogsett and businessman and former city-county councilor Jefferson Shreve will go head to head in the general election. 

Hogsett announced last year he would run for a third and final term.

“My message that evening was simple – while the pandemic may have delayed our plans, we could not afford to deny Indianapolis the progress it deserves,” Hogsett said.

Both candidates had millions for their campaigns. The Democratic ticket was the most competitive in recent history, and State Rep. Robin Shackleford was able to capture 37.87 percent of the vote, but lost to Hogsett’s 58.37 percent. In an email, Shackleford said she was disappointed but proud.

“I’m proud of the campaign we ran and the fact that I helped shine a light on the issues you all told me you cared about: violent crime, cyclist and pedestrian safety, affordable housing, and so much more,” her statement said.

In his acceptance speech, Hogsett was already looking toward November and called out Shreve for negative campaigning during the primary.

“I think we’ve always been well served by leaders who inspire us to be the best of the city, rather than those who only see the worst of our city,” Hogsett said.

The end of slating in Marion County opened up the race to more local candidates. The race was the busiest in recent history – with six Democrats and four Republicans.

On the Republican ticket, Shreve defeated his closest competitor, political commentator, lawyer and journalist Abdul Hakim-Shabazz.

In his acceptance speech, Shreve said that these are divisive times but he wants to move forward and work with all residents – the Democrats and Republicans.

“It will take courage to come together to cross party lines, to be kind to those with whom we may disagree, but that’s what we have to do,” Shreve said.

The general election is Nov. 7.

Contact WFYI city government and policy reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.