Republican joins race for Marion County Prosecutor

A republican candidate has stepped into the race for Marion County Prosecutor. Cyndi Carrasco joins the race ahead of the May primary and hopes to face incumbent Democrat Ryan Mears in November.

Carrasco said improved public safety is a top priority in Indianapolis.

“We deserve a prosecutor who’s going to be a better advocate for victims. We deserve a prosecutor who’s going to hold repeat and violent offenders accountable and for all other offenders, get them the help they need,”’ Carrasco said.

Some Republican officials in Marion County have been outspoken about the need for change in the top public safety position as the city experiences record homicides numbers.

Carrasco has nearly 20 years of legal experience in Indianapolis. She has worked as the Executive Director of the State Ethics commission, Inspector General for Indiana and most recently as Deputy General Counsel for Gov. Eric Holcomb.

She said there is a need to work more closely with stakeholders and lead conversations to improve safety.

“Like the courts, law enforcement and other community stakeholders, and I don’t see that happening now,” Carrasco said.

The 41-year old was born in Texas and is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. She will continue to practice law with a private firm ahead of elections.

Indiana Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer said in a statement that Carrasco is the right candidate. 

“I am confident that she will bring the much-needed solutions to the public safety issues facing Indianapolis and will work to hold bad actors accountable,” Hupfer said.

Mears took office in 2019 after his predecessor, Terry Curry, retired.  Curry died from cancer last year.

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