INDIANAPOLIS — State Rep. Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) has announced that she will run for mayor of Indianapolis next year.
If elected, she would be the city's first Black and female mayor.
"As I weighed my decision to run, fueled by close friends and family, some asked me why I was even considering it. I have a fulfilling, successful tenure of service in the Indiana General Assembly. It came down to one phrase that kept running through my head: 'We can do better,'" Shackleford said during her announcement.
"Indianapolis is a tale of two cities – one with good roads, where residents don’t worry about putting food on the table and feel safe in their homes - and another with pothole-ridden streets where residents struggle to get enough to eat and worry that at any moment a stray bullet will travel through their wall and strike their child," she added.
The full announcement can be viewed below.
Shackleford said she plans to focus on tackling crime in the city by addressing its root causes, warding off gun violence and increasing youth engagement and improving the relationship between citizens and police.
She also emphasized making healthcare more affordable and food more accessible.
Shackleford represents Indiana's 98th district, which is on Indianapolis' east side. She was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2012 and currently serves as the ranking minority member of the public health committee.
She is also on the Courts and Criminal Code and the Financial Institutions and Insurance committees.
Shackleford previously served as chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus and vice president of the Indiana POWER Caucus and worked as the diversity affairs director under former Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson and as a policy and research specialist for the Indiana Health Care Association.
Joe Hogsett, Indianapolis' current and 49th mayor, took office in 2016. Before that, he served as Indiana's secretary of state and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana.
Hogsett has not said whether he plans to run for reelection.
-
Colts-Jets matchup features return of NFL's 2nd-youngest QB vs. oldest
When 22-year-old Anthony Richardson takes the field for the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, he'll square off against 40-year-old Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets.
Indiana State Police ramping up patrols, working overtime over Thanksgiving
More officers will be out and about over the Thanksgiving travel period and will focus on impaired and aggressive driving and the proper use of seat belts.
Last actions Biden administration will take before Trump takes over White House
The Biden administration is doling out grants and taking other steps to try to preserve at least some of the outgoing president's legacy before President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Indiana Donor Network creating new memorial for donors
The Indiana Donor Network is creating a new memorial. Each donor hero will be remembered forever, through a tree of life that will be built in the main lobby
