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{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is already sufficiently detailed; see [[WP:SDNONE]] --> |
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{{Short description|Future election for Mayor of Carmel}} |
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{{use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} |
{{use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} |
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{{Infobox election |
{{Infobox election |
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| country = Carmel |
| country = Carmel |
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| type = mayoral |
| type = mayoral |
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| ongoing = |
| ongoing = no |
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| previous_election = 2019 Carmel mayoral election |
| previous_election = 2019 Carmel mayoral election |
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| previous_year = 2019 |
| previous_year = 2019 |
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| election_date = November 7, 2023 |
| election_date = November 7, 2023 |
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| image1 = |
| image1 = |
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| candidate1 = Sue Finkam |
| candidate1 = '''Sue Finkam''' |
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| party1 = Republican Party (United States) |
| party1 = Republican Party (United States) |
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| popular_vote1 = |
| popular_vote1 = '''18,042''' |
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| percentage1 = |
| percentage1 = '''56.6%''' |
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| image2 = |
| image2 = |
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| candidate2 = Miles Nelson |
| candidate2 = Miles Nelson |
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| party2 = Democratic Party (United States) |
| party2 = Democratic Party (United States) |
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| popular_vote2 = |
| popular_vote2 = 13,463 |
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| percentage2 = |
| percentage2 = 42.2% |
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| map_image = |
| map_image = Carmel Mayor 2023.svg |
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| map_size = |
| map_size = |
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| map_caption = Precinct results<br/>'''Finkam:''' {{legend0|#FFB2B2|40–50%}} {{legend0|#E27F7F|50–60%}} {{legend0|#d75d5d|60–70%}} {{legend0|#D72F30|70–80%}}<br/>'''Nelson:''' {{legend0|#A5B0FF|40–50%}} {{legend0|#7996e2|50–60%}} |
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| map_caption = |
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| title = Mayor |
| title = Mayor |
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| before_election = [[James Brainard]] |
| before_election = [[James Brainard]] |
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| before_party = Republican Party (United States) |
| before_party = Republican Party (United States) |
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| after_election = |
| after_election = Sue Finkam |
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| after_party = |
| after_party = Republican Party (United States) |
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| turnout = |
| turnout = |
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}} |
}} |
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{{ElectionsIN}} |
{{ElectionsIN}} |
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The '''2023 Carmel mayoral election''' took place on November 7, 2023. Republican nominee Sue Finkam defeated Democrat Miles Nelson by a 14.4% margin to become the next mayor. |
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The '''2023 Carmel mayoral election''' is scheduled to take place on November 7, 2023. Incumbent Republican Mayor [[James Brainard]], first elected in 1995, announced that he would not seek reelection, creating an open race for the position for the first time in 28 years.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard will not seek reelection, ending seven terms as mayor in 2023 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2022/09/13/carmel-mayor-jim-brainard-will-not-seek-reelection-2023/69487604007/ |website=[[The Indianapolis Star]]}}</ref> |
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In the party primaries held on May 2, 2023, |
Incumbent Republican Mayor [[James Brainard]], first elected in 1995, chose to retire, creating an open race for the position for the first time in 28 years.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard will not seek reelection, ending seven terms as mayor in 2023 |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2022/09/13/carmel-mayor-jim-brainard-will-not-seek-reelection-2023/69487604007/ |website=[[The Indianapolis Star]]}}</ref> In the party primaries held on May 2, 2023, Republican City Councilor Sue Finkam bested two other GOP candidates to advance to the November 7 general election, while Democrat Miles Nelson ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and advanced automatically.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-02 |title=Finkam wins tight Republican primary in Carmel mayoral race • Current Publishing |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2023/05/02/finkam-wins-tight-republican-primary-in-carmel-mayoral-race/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Finkam |
Finkam's general election campaign priorities included boosting fiscal responsibility by adopting [[zero-based budgeting]]inthe first year, crime prevention and public safety, expanding community involvement in development projects (specifically multifamily housing projects), and increasing government transparency, as outlined in the vision plan published and promoted by her campaign.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=The |date=2023-10-21 |title=Sue Finkam releases her plan to “Elevate Carmel” |url=https://readthereporter.com/sue-finkam-releases-her-plan-to-elevate-carmel/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-12 |title=Carmel mayoral candidates discuss priorities, vision for city’s future |url=https://fox59.com/indiana-news/carmel-mayoral-candidates-discuss-priorities-vision-for-citys-future/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Fox 59 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Elevate Carmel {{!}} Sue Finkam for Carmel Mayor |url=https://www.suefinkam.com/elevate-carmel |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=www.suefinkam.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=The |date=2023-10-21 |title=Finkam calls for overhaul of Marion County’s “failed” criminal justice system |url=https://readthereporter.com/finkam-calls-for-overhaul-of-marion-countys-failed-criminal-justice-system/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Lena |date=2023-04-03 |title=Sue Finkam for Carmel Mayor: A Bright Future for All |url=https://carmelmonthlymagazine.com/sue-finkam-for-carmel-mayor-a-bright-future-for-all/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Carmel Monthly Magazine - Carmel, Indiana |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=The |date=2023-10-21 |title=Sue Finkam pledges more transparency in Carmel government |url=https://readthereporter.com/sue-finkam-pledges-more-transparency-in-carmel-government/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |language=en-US}}</ref> Nelson's campaign primarily focused on his opposition to the conservative parent advocacy group [[Moms for Liberty]], and concerns he had about their possible influence on [[Carmel Clay Schools]] policy which is set by the school board.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Indianapolis Star |url=https://www.indystar.com/restricted/?return=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2023/10/10/sue-finkam-miles-nelson-carmel-mayor-election-moms-for-liberty-hamilton-county/71075701007/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=www.indystar.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Miles Nelson Calls for Sue Finkam to Immediately Denounce Moms for Liberty |url=https://www.miles4mayor.com/blog/miles-nelson-calls-for-sue-finkam-to-immediately-denounce-moms-for-liberty |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=Miles for Mayor |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-10-02 |title=Carmel mayoral candidates square off in debate • Current Publishing |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2023/10/02/carmel-mayoral-candidates-square-off-in-debate/ |access-date=2023-10-21 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About the Board - Carmel Clay Schools |url=https://www.ccs.k12.in.us/board/about-the-board |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=www.ccs.k12.in.us |language=en-US}}</ref> Notably, there is no conservative majority on the current school board following the 2022 school board elections.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-11-09 |title=Republicans point to split conservative vote in failing to sweep Carmel school board seats • Current Publishing |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2022/11/09/republicans-point-to-split-conservative-vote-in-failing-to-sweep-carmel-school-board-seats/ |access-date=2023-10-22 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gaines |first=Lee V. |date=2023-01-18 |title=Conservative school board candidates feared indoctrination. What’s next for Indiana? |url=https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/indiana-carmel-conservative-school-board-candidates-feared-indoctrination |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=WFYI Public Media |language=en-us}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Standing up to extremism in Carmel Indiana |url=https://www.assistdemocracy.org/podcast/standing-up-to-extremism-in-carmel-indiana |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=DEMOCRACY AND EDUCATION |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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{{toclimit|3}} |
{{toclimit|3}} |
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==Republican primary== |
==Republican primary== |
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At-large Councilor Kevin Rider announced his decision to run for the GOP nomination a week after Brainard's decision to retire, admitting that he had been having conversations about running earlier in the year as well.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |date=2022-09-20 |title=Councilman Kevin Rider announces run for Carmel mayor after Brainard says he won't run again |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2022/09/20/carmel-councilman-kevin-rider-announces-run-for-mayor/69505880007/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref> Councilor Sue Finkam, who represents Carmel's Northeast District, announced her intention to seek the GOP nomination a month later in November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |date=2022-11-15 |title=Carmel Councilor Sue Finkam enters 2023 race for mayor |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2022/11/15/sue-finkam-enters-2023-race-for-carmel-mayor-indiana/69649375007/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref> Fred Glynn, who had previously challenged Brainard in 2019, filed his paperwork to run less than two hours before the filing deadline closed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shambaugh |first=Ann Marie |date=2023-02-08 |title=Glynn embracing 'people-oriented vision' in campaign for Carmel mayor • Current Publishing |url=https://www.youarecurrent.com/2023/02/08/glynn-embracing-people-oriented-vision-in-campaign-for-carmel-mayor/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |language=en-US}}</ref> |
At-large Councilor and [[small business]] owner Kevin Rider announced his decision to run for the GOP nomination a week after Brainard's decision to retire, admitting that he had been having conversations about running earlier in the year as well.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |date=2022-09-20 |title=Councilman Kevin Rider announces run for Carmel mayor after Brainard says he won't run again |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2022/09/20/carmel-councilman-kevin-rider-announces-run-for-mayor/69505880007/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref> Councilor and [[businesswoman]] Sue Finkam, who represents Carmel's Northeast District, announced her intention to seek the GOP nomination a month later in November 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |date=2022-11-15 |title=Carmel Councilor Sue Finkam enters 2023 race for mayor |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2022/11/15/sue-finkam-enters-2023-race-for-carmel-mayor-indiana/69649375007/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref> Fred Glynn, former [[Hamilton County, Indiana|Hamilton County]] Councilor who had previously challenged Mayor James Brainard in 2019, filed his paperwork to run less than two hours before the filing deadline closed.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Shambaugh |first=Ann Marie |date=2023-02-08 |title=Glynn embracing 'people-oriented vision' in campaign for Carmel mayor • Current Publishing |url=https://www.youarecurrent.com/2023/02/08/glynn-embracing-people-oriented-vision-in-campaign-for-carmel-mayor/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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Mayor James Brainard endorsed Councilor Kevin Rider on April 7 after initially refraining from endorsing anyone, stating that the primary results could "reverse the progress" Carmel had made during his tenure. His concerns appeared to be aimed at Fred Glynn's campaign priorities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Carloni |first=Brittany |date=2023-04-07 |title=Here's who Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard is endorsing in the Republican mayoral primary |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2023/04/07/carmel-mayor-jim-brainard-endorses-kevin-woody-rider-for-mayor/70093048007/ |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=The Indianapolis Star}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Finkam wins Carmel Republican primary |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2023/05/02/republicans-sue-finkam-fred-glynn-kevin-woody-rider-primary-carmel-mayor/70153754007/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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===Candidates=== |
===Candidates=== |
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=== Debate === |
=== Debate === |
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The |
The GOP debate held some disagreements.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=4 takeaways from Carmel Republican mayoral debate |url=https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/hamilton-county/carmel/2023/03/29/carmel-mayor-election-4-takeaways-from-republican-primary-debate/70028171007/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=The Indianapolis Star |language=en-US}}</ref> Councilors Sue Finkam and Kevin Rider both tried to position themselves in alignment with Mayor Brainard, while noting they would temper some of his spending priorities.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=Shuey |first=Mickey |title=Carmel mayoral candidates debate spending, housing affordability |url=https://www.ibj.com/articles/carmel-mayoral-candidates-talk-spending-housing-affordability-during-debate |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=Indianapolis Business Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> Councilor Sue Finkam accused Rider of threats towards her donors.<ref name=":4" /> At the debate, Finkam said, "Many, many professionals call us and say they get calls directly from Councilman Rider saying they will not do business with the city of Carmel if they donate to our campaign, period."<ref name=":4" /> Fred Glynn announced he would take no money from vendors who do business with Carmel, while Rider pointed to his positive campaign and also noted he had taken campaign contributions from people who do business with the city.<ref name=":4" /><ref name=":5" /> Candidates agreed on the need for more communication from the City Hall, and all three candidates criticized some of the priorities decided on by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission, a non-elected board and a longstanding priority of Mayor Brainard's.<ref name=":4" /> The candidates also criticized the study for public transit in Carmel, agreeing that public transportation wasn't a priority.<ref name=":4" /> |
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{| class="wikitable" |
{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
|- |
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==Democratic primary== |
==Democratic primary== |
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City Councilor Miles Nelson filed to run in January 2023, making him the only Democrat in the race |
City Councilor Miles Nelson filed to run in January 2023, making him the only Democrat in the race.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2023-01-27 |title=Miles Nelson files as third candidate for Mayor of Carmel |url=https://readthereporter.com/miles-nelson-files-as-third-candidate-for-mayor-of-carmel/ |access-date=2023-03-31 |website=Hamilton County Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref> Nelson is the brother of [[Carmel Clay Schools]] Board Member and Board Secretary Jennifer Nelson-Williams.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-24 |title=Meet the 4 finalists for the open seat on the Carmel school board • Current Publishing |url=https://youarecurrent.com/2021/09/24/meet-the-4-finalists-for-the-open-seat-on-the-carmel-school-board/ |access-date=2023-10-24 |language=en-US}}</ref> |
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===Candidates=== |
===Candidates=== |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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|- |
|- |
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! colspan=4 |Campaign finance reports as of |
! colspan=4 |Campaign finance reports as of October 20, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |title=Campaign Finance Index |url=https://secure2.hamiltoncounty.in.gov/CampaignFinance/ |access-date=2023-10-25 |website=secure2.hamiltoncounty.in.gov}}</ref> |
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|- style="text-align:center;" |
|- style="text-align:center;" |
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!Candidate |
!Candidate |
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|- |
|- |
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|{{party shading/Republican}}|Sue Finkam (R) |
|{{party shading/Republican}}|Sue Finkam (R) |
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|$ |
|$820,965 |
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|$ |
|$540,197 |
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|$ |
|$280,768 |
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|- |
|- |
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|{{party shading/Democratic}}|Miles Nelson (D) |
|{{party shading/Democratic}}|Miles Nelson (D) |
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|$ |
|$460,084 |
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|$ |
|$342,403 |
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|$ |
|$117,681 |
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|- |
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! colspan="4" | |
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|} |
|} |
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===Endorsements=== |
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{{Endorsements box |
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|title = Sue Finkam |
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|width = 50em |
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|list = |
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;Statewide officials |
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*[[Eric Holcomb]], [[Governor of Indiana]] (2017–present)<ref>{{cite web |title=Governor Eric Holcomb endorses Sue Finkam for Carmel Mayor|url=https://readthereporter.com/governor-eric-holcomb-endorses-sue-finkam-for-carmel-mayor/|website=Hamilton County Reporter|date=October 27, 2023}}</ref> |
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*[[Kelly Mitchell]], 54th [[Indiana State Treasurer]] (2014–2022)<ref>{{cite web |title=Former State Treasurer Kelly Mitchell endorses Sue Finkam for Carmel mayor|url=https://readthereporter.com/former-state-treasurer-kelly-mitchell-endorses-sue-finkam-for-carmel-mayor/|website=Hamilton County Reporter|date=January 28, 2023}}</ref> |
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;Local officials |
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*[[James Brainard]], Mayor of [[Carmel, Indiana|Carmel]] (1996–present)<ref>{{cite web |last=Tuohy |first=John |title=After primary snub, Carmel Mayor Brainard endorses Sue Finkam in general election|url=https://news.yahoo.com/primary-snub-carmel-mayor-brainard-193827156.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAMA_i4YcrfnCPcEzbopdfj20NTn47jWnDSDbB7H6wu_VMl4QDArvriKa39otlxDohRLNb2VmTffUX7iRX10G_LlQg9R3D08nfraGTIliO7fOdbxtsnX84gtKnHqRj2VR-CnTHzp-ekPAwheh2D0daEUiLp7xzeOOnb59cAWRU2sb|work=[[The Indianapolis Star]] |date=October 31, 2023}}</ref> |
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*Dottie Hancock, former Mayor of [[Carmel, Indiana|Carmel]] (1988–1992)<ref name=Endorsements>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youarecurrent.com/2023/04/07/carmel-mayor-endorses-rider-as-his-successor/|title=Carmel mayor endorses Rider as his successor|access-date=April 8, 2023}}</ref> |
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;Organizations |
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*[[Fraternal Order of Police]] Lodge 185<ref name =Endorsements/> |
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*[[International Association of Fire Fighters]] Local 4444<ref>{{cite web |title=CARMEL PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 4444 ENDORSES SUE FINKAM FOR MAYOR OF CARMEL |url=https://files.constantcontact.com/aa769473401/11ed2968-3810-40f3-912d-e2c8023d4124.pdf?rdr=true|website=|date=September 11, 2023}}</ref> |
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}} |
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{{Endorsements box |
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|title = Miles Nelson |
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|width = 50em |
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|list = |
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;U.S Senators |
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*[[Evan Bayh]], [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] from [[Indiana]] (1999–2011), 46th [[Governor of Indiana]] (1989–1997)<ref name=CurrentEndorse>{{cite web |title=Longtime Carmel mayor endorses Finkam as successor|url=https://www.youarecurrent.com/2023/10/31/longtime-carmel-mayor-endorses-finkam-as-successor/|website=Current Publishing|date=October 31, 2023}}</ref> |
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;State legislators |
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*[[J. D. Ford]], [[Indiana Senate|state senator]] from the 29th district (2018–present)<ref name =CurrentEndorse/> |
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*[[Victoria Wilburn|Victoria Garcia Wilburn]], [[Indiana House of Representatives|state representative]] for the 32nd district (2022–present)<ref name =CurrentEndorse/> |
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*[[Fady Qaddoura]], [[Indiana Senate|state senator]] from the 29th district (2020–present)<ref name =CurrentEndorse/> |
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;Organizations |
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*[[AFL-CIO]]<ref name =CurrentEndorse/> |
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*[[Everytown for Gun Safety#Moms Demand Action For Gun Sense in America|Moms Demand Action]]<ref name =CurrentEndorse/> |
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}} |
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===Results=== |
===Results=== |
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{{election box begin |
{{election box begin |
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| title = 2023 Carmel mayoral election<ref>{{cite web |last=|first=|title=2023 Hamilton County Election results|url=https://www.indystar.com/elections/results/local/2023-11-07/18057/|work=[[The Indianapolis Star]] |date=November 7, 2023 |access-date=November 7, 2023}}</ref> |
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| title = 2023 Carmel mayoral election |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Election box candidate with party link |
{{Election box winning candidate with party link |
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| party = Republican Party (United States) |
| party = Republican Party (United States) |
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| candidate = Sue Finkam |
| candidate = Sue Finkam |
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| votes = |
| votes = 18,042 |
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| percentage = |
| percentage = 56.6% |
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| change = |
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}} |
}} |
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{{election box candidate with party link |
{{election box candidate with party link |
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| party = Democratic Party (United States) |
| party = Democratic Party (United States) |
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| candidate = Miles Nelson |
| candidate = Miles Nelson |
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| votes = |
| votes = 13,463 |
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| percentage = |
| percentage = 42.2% |
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| change = |
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}} |
}} |
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{{Election box write-in with party link|votes=371|percentage=1.2%|change=}} |
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{{election box total |
{{election box total |
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| votes = |
| votes = 31,876 |
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| percentage = 100.0 |
| percentage = 100.0 |
||
}} |
}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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;Official campaign websites |
;Official campaign websites |
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* [https://www.fredglynn.com/ Fred Glynn (R) for Mayor] |
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* [https://suefinkam.com/ Sue Finkham (R) for Mayor] |
* [https://suefinkam.com/ Sue Finkham (R) for Mayor] |
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* [https://riderforcarmel.com/ Kevin Rider (R) for Mayor] |
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* [https://www.miles4mayor.com/ Miles Nelson (D) for Mayor] |
* [https://www.miles4mayor.com/ Miles Nelson (D) for Mayor] |
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![]()
Precinct results | ||||||||||||||||
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The 2023 Carmel mayoral election took place on November 7, 2023. Republican nominee Sue Finkam defeated Democrat Miles Nelson by a 14.4% margin to become the next mayor.
Incumbent Republican Mayor James Brainard, first elected in 1995, chose to retire, creating an open race for the position for the first time in 28 years.[1] In the party primaries held on May 2, 2023, Republican City Councilor Sue Finkam bested two other GOP candidates to advance to the November 7 general election, while Democrat Miles Nelson ran unopposed in the Democratic primary and advanced automatically.[2]
Finkam's general election campaign priorities included boosting fiscal responsibility by adopting zero-based budgeting in the first year, crime prevention and public safety, expanding community involvement in development projects (specifically multifamily housing projects), and increasing government transparency, as outlined in the vision plan published and promoted by her campaign.[3][4][5][6][7][8] Nelson's campaign primarily focused on his opposition to the conservative parent advocacy group Moms for Liberty, and concerns he had about their possible influence on Carmel Clay Schools policy which is set by the school board.[9][10][11][12] Notably, there is no conservative majority on the current school board following the 2022 school board elections.[13][14][15]
Politically, Carmel has historically been a Republican stronghold, having consistently voted for Republicans in local, state, and federal elections for decades. Since 2020, however, Carmel has become increasingly competitive for both parties.[16] In 2020, the city voted for Democratic Presidential candidate Joe Biden, and in 2022, the Democrats won Carmel in the 2022 Indiana Secretary of State election, along with 2 of the 3 school board seats where the more conservative candidates lost, [17][18] while Republican candidates prevailed in Carmel in the 2020 Indiana gubernatorial election, as well as the 2020 and 2022 Indiana's 5th congressional district House of Representatives elections.[19] Councilor Miles Nelson's 2019 win in the city's West district marked the first time a Democrat had ever won a seat on the Carmel city council.[18]
Mayor James Brainard was first elected to be Mayor of Carmel, Indiana in 1995 and took office in 1996.[20] During his seven-term mayoralty, he championed redevelopment projects, including a well-known push for roundabouts, and the city's population more than doubled.[21] As a result of his broad popularity, Brainard was not seriously challenged in any of his reelection bids through 2019. In 2019, Hamilton County Councilor Fred Glynn challenged Brainard in the Republican primary, receiving 44.2% of the vote.[22] Glynn's 2019 campaign repeatedly criticized Brainard for his extensive public spending projects, overdevelopment and spending plans.[22] Brainard announced his intention to retire in September 2022 after serving for seven terms.[1]
At-large Councilor and small business owner Kevin Rider announced his decision to run for the GOP nomination a week after Brainard's decision to retire, admitting that he had been having conversations about running earlier in the year as well.[23] Councilor and businesswoman Sue Finkam, who represents Carmel's Northeast District, announced her intention to seek the GOP nomination a month later in November 2022.[24] Fred Glynn, former Hamilton County Councilor who had previously challenged Mayor James Brainard in 2019, filed his paperwork to run less than two hours before the filing deadline closed.[25]
Mayor James Brainard endorsed Councilor Kevin Rider on April 7 after initially refraining from endorsing anyone, stating that the primary results could "reverse the progress" Carmel had made during his tenure. His concerns appeared to be aimed at Fred Glynn's campaign priorities.[26][27]
The GOP debate held some disagreements.[36] Councilors Sue Finkam and Kevin Rider both tried to position themselves in alignment with Mayor Brainard, while noting they would temper some of his spending priorities.[37] Councilor Sue Finkam accused Rider of threats towards her donors.[36] At the debate, Finkam said, "Many, many professionals call us and say they get calls directly from Councilman Rider saying they will not do business with the city of Carmel if they donate to our campaign, period."[36] Fred Glynn announced he would take no money from vendors who do business with Carmel, while Rider pointed to his positive campaign and also noted he had taken campaign contributions from people who do business with the city.[36][37] Candidates agreed on the need for more communication from the City Hall, and all three candidates criticized some of the priorities decided on by the Carmel Redevelopment Commission, a non-elected board and a longstanding priority of Mayor Brainard's.[36] The candidates also criticized the study for public transit in Carmel, agreeing that public transportation wasn't a priority.[36]
Date | Time (ET) |
Place | Moderators | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
March 28, 2023 | 6:30 pm | The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, Indiana |
Ann Marie Shambaugh | [38] |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Sue Finkam | 4,692 | 35.8 | |
Republican | Fred Glynn | 4,236 | 32.3 | |
Republican | Kevin Rider | 4,190 | 31.9 | |
Total votes | 23,228 | 100.0 |
City Councilor Miles Nelson filed to run in January 2023, making him the only Democrat in the race.[40] Nelson is the brother of Carmel Clay Schools Board Member and Board Secretary Jennifer Nelson-Williams.[41]
Date | Time (ET) |
Place | Moderators | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
October 2, 2023 | 7:00 pm | The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts, Carmel, Indiana |
Ann Marie Shambaugh | [44] |
Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Sue Finkam |
Miles Nelson |
Undecided |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sue Finkam for Carmel Mayor[A] | June 26–27, 2023 | 400 (RV) | ± 4.8% | 48% | 35% | 16% |
Campaign finance reports as of October 20, 2023[45] | |||
---|---|---|---|
Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
Sue Finkam (R) | $820,965 | $540,197 | $280,768 |
Miles Nelson (D) | $460,084 | $342,403 | $117,681 |
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ±% | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | Sue Finkam | 18,042 | 56.6% | ||
Democratic | Miles Nelson | 13,463 | 42.2% | ||
Write-in | 371 | 1.2% | |||
Total votes | 31,876 | 100.0 |
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