More candidates lined up in run for Indianapolis City-County Council

Marion County residents will head to the polls to vote for new city-county councilor candidates in this year’s primary election on May 2. Voters in 25 districts will decide on Democratic and Republican candidates.

The City-County Council considers proposals that include many facets of local government. The council convenes committees that discuss and vote on measures that include public safety, public works, metropolitan and economic development, finance allocation and parks. The full council meets on the first Monday of every month.

Democrats have enjoyed a supermajority on the council since the 2019 elections. Out of the 25 districts in Indianapolis, 20 are led by Democrats.

The past four years brought the current council numerous challenges, including a global pandemic, social protests over police reform and record levels of violent crime. Councilors met virtually for more than a year because of COVID-19 concerns.

They’ve also been able to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars in added federal funding to address longstanding issues including crumbling infrastructure, a lack of parks and trails and neighborhood disinvestment.

Redistricting, end of slating may have encouraged competition

New district maps were created last year as part of the decennial redistricting process that may favor more Republican seats. Those seats are mostly in the southern part of the county.

University of Indianapolis political science professor Laura Merrifield Wilson said Marion County redistricting may have brought more people into the race.

“The redrawing of district lines opened up maybe a little bit more competition, and it may be competition within the political parties too,” Wilson said.

In the southern part of the county Republicans are expected to pick up another seat. Republican Derek Cahill is running unopposed in District 23. Currently, that district is held by Republican Paul Annee, who was moved to District 22. Two other Republican candidates are also on the ballot in that district.

Numerous Republican primaries have been canceled in districts where incumbent Democrats are seated. Among those are districts represented by Democrats Dan Boots, John Barth, Ali Brown, La Keisha Jackson and Crista Carlino. They are all running unopposed in their primaries.

A number of incumbent Democratic councilors are being challenged by others from the party.  Those include City-County Council President Vop Osili and Vice President Zach Adamson.

More candidates are running in some districts than in the past. Merrifield Wilson said the increase in competition could also be the result of the end of party-backed candidates dominating a race.

“Both parties got rid of the slating process, which caused a lot of contention, particularly with the Democrats in the primaries,” Wilson said.

A new candidate in District 4 would be the youngest on the council. Nick Roberts is 22 years-old and uncontested in the Democratic race.

Three councilors will not seek reelection. Ethan Evans announced his disaffiliation with the Democratic party last year and said he would not seek another term. Democrat William Oliver, who has been on the council since 2004, announced earlier this year that he would retire from his seat. Democrat Jason Larrison is also not on the ballot.

Election Day is Tuesday, May 2.

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