Incumbent politician Joe Hogsett (Democrat) is running against opponent Jefferson Shreve (Republican) to serve as Indianapolis’ mayor.
Hogsett is currently the 49th mayor of Indianapolis, and first assumed his position in 2016. Prior to his mayorship, he was the United States Attorney for four years, representing the Southern District of Indiana. His website suggests that his goals are to grow the economy, help children achieve a quality education, invest in infrastructure and increase safety in public places and neighborhoods.
Shreve currently works as the founder of Storage Express and serves on the Board of Directors of Extra Space Storage. His experience in politics began in 2012 when he was a City-County Councilor for seven years. He worked on the Police Staffing Commission and Metropolitan Development Commission. His website, similar to Hogsett’s, expresses his goals for improved infrastructure, public safety and safer neighborhoods.
Within the Democratic primary, Hogsett won 58.4% with 28,320 votes compared to runner-up Robin Shackleford’s 37.9% with 18,359 votes. The Republican primary election marked Shreve as the winner with 65.9% and 19,170 votes as opposed to the Republican runner-up Abdul-Hakim Shabazz who won 26.3% with 7,639 votes.
On October 23, the first one-hour debate for the Indianapolis mayoral campaign in roughly 20 years was televised exclusively by WISH TV on Channel 8. The questions asked included if downtown was safe, if more police officers should be hired, how effective the Marion County criminal justice system is and if permitless carry needs to be repealed, to name a few. They also discussed health equity, food deserts, and mental health care accessibility.
In the debate, Hogsett mentioned that downtown is safe but there are “perception problems,” while Shreve said downtown is neither safe nor inviting. They both want to improve pay and incentivize a larger police force.
As far as the criminal justice system, Hogsett wants to add additional enforcement and special assistant attorneys. Shreve’s response was to hold a review of the criminal justice system.
Hogsett wants to repeal permitless carry but said, “And I want to be clear about that, because responsible gun owners have nothing to fear. It is those who are misusing the availability of guns that, I think, we need to focus our attention on.”
Shreve said he supports the permit process but firmly believes people have the right to possess guns.
The debate had many viewers and allowed lots of discussion for individuals and news networks alike as the November 7 Election Day deadline approaches.
“I mean obviously we can’t vote so I don’t think high schoolers know too much about the debates but it is important to know and stay informed,” sophomore Loren Strudwick said.
