Indianapolis mayoral election, 2011

The Indianapolis mayoral election of 2011 took place on November 8, 2011. Voters elected the Mayor of Indianapolis, members of the Indianapolis City-County Council, as well as several other local officials. Incumbent Republican Greg Ballard was seeking a second term. Democrats nominated former deputy mayor Melina Kennedy to run against Ballard.[1][2] Ballard defeated Kennedy 51% to 47%.[3]

The Indianapolis City-County elections took place alongside the mayoral election, with Democrats taking a 16–13 majority.[3][4] This marked the first time in Indianapolis history that a Republican mayor would lead with a Democratic council.[5]

Candidates

Republican party

  • Greg Ballard, incumbent mayor

Democratic party

  • Melina Kennedy, former Deputy Mayor for Economic Development

Defeated in the primary

  • Sam Carson[6]
  • Ron Gibson
  • Brian William

Libertarian party

  • Chris Bowen

Campaign

The campaign was the most expensive in Indianapolis history, with the candidates raising a combined $6 million.[7] Representative André Carson, Sam Carson's nephew, endorsed Melina Kennedy.[8] Kennedy was also endorsed by The Indianapolis Star and Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.[9][10]

Polling

Poll source Date(s)
administered		 Sample
size		 Margin of
error		 Greg
Ballard (R)		 Melina
Kennedy (D)		 Other Undecided
EPIC-MRA October 29–31, 2011 400 ± 4.9% 44% 33% — 23%

Election results

Indianapolis mayoral election, 2011[3]
Party Candidate Votes % ±
Republican Greg Ballard (incumbent) 92,499 51.3% +0.9%
Democratic Melina Kennedy 84,968 47.1% -0.1%
Libertarian Christopher Bowen 2,676 1.5% -0.8%
No party Write-Ins 124 0.1% —
Turnout 181,168 30% +4%
Majority 7,531
Republican hold Swing
Preceded by
2007		 Indianapolis mayoral election
2011		 Succeeded by
2015

References

  1. ↑ "Dems, GOP slate their candidates for May 3 primary". The Indianapolis Star. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  2. ↑ "Slating conventions to take on just a few contested races". The Indianapolis Star. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  3. 1 2 3 "2011 General Election Results". Marion County Clerk's Office. 2011-11-09. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  4. ↑ "Democrats take lead on City-County Council". The Indianapolis Star. 2011-11-09. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  5. ↑ "Mayor Ballard faces Democratic-controlled council". WTHR. 2011-11-09. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
  6. ↑ "Carson To Enter Indianapolis Mayoral Race". WRTV. 2011-02-10. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  7. ↑ "Expensive mayoral campaign winds down". WTHR. 2011-11-08. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  8. ↑ "Messy Family Stuff". onPolitix. 2011-02-14. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  9. ↑ "Editorial Board endorsement: City needs Kennedy". The Indianapolis Star. 2011-10-30. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
  10. ↑ "FOP endorses Kennedy for mayor". Indianapolis Recorder. 2011-09-08. Retrieved 2011-11-09.
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