City-County Councillor leaves party, will not seek re-election

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ethan Evans has changed his political affiliation and announced he will not seek reelection. 

Ethan Evans is in his first term representing District 4 on the northeast side of Indianapolis. He was part of a new wave of Democratic councilors who took office after the 2019 elections. The results gave the council a 20-5 supermajority. He was also part of a historic increase of LGBTQ membership on the council.

Evans' decision to leave the Democratic majority and sit as an Independent follows years of disagreement with members. Numerous times, Evans did not vote with his party. He often said proposals didn’t go far enough to help community members and respond to needs.

In a written statement, Evans said he’s heavy-hearted about the decision and felt unable to connect with other members.

“Several of those who have paid close attention to council meetings could see that I have not been having the easiest time, or recognition, even compared to other first-term councilors,” he said.

He said he’s tried to find better policies to reach the needs of more people.

“I have tried to come up with solutions from inside the party for the last two years, and for the most part I feel I've been shut out,” he said, “despite speaking for a wide progressive base who wants these very solutions implemented.”

Evans said he will not seek another term next year.

“I appreciate the support I’ve been given and have not made this decision lightly,” he said.

The announcement comes at a time the Marion County Democratic Party is fractured over inside party disagreements.

Contact reporter Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @JillASheridan.