I moved to Fishers in 1991 and recall at least one instance when a town council election was cancelled.  Why?  Because no Democrats were on the ballot.  There had been contests in the Republican primary election, but all those emerging from the GOP primary went on to be elected with no opposition in November.

About 6 years ago, I recorded a podcast with Greg Purvis and Joe Weingarten, two men that had run as Democrats in Fishers, about the future of their party locally.  They were optimistic.  Others at the time were skepitical.

Although Republicans are still in clear control of local government, there have been more Democratic candidates in recent years and there are two Democrats currently with seats on the Fishers City Council.

Hamilton County Democratic Party Chair Dayna Colbert issued a news release Friday touting the number of Democrats on the ballot this year in Fishers.  They are: Incumbent Councilors Jocelyn Vare (At-Large) and Crystal Neumann (North Central), joined by candidates Howard Stevenson ( At-Large); Bill McLellan (North West); Lane Skeeters (South Central); Bill Stuart (South West); and Samantha Chapman (North East). In addition, Janet Pritchett is running for Fishers City Clerk.

“We are incredibly excited to offer citizens better representation in November with this strong, qualified group of candidates,” said Colbert in a party news release.  “These talented candidates reflect the desires of today’s Fishers community: accelerating positive changes to make Fishers the best place in Indiana for all to live, work and raise a family.”

Even with the most candidates ever on the general election ballot for 2023, Democrats still have no candidate for the top spot.  So far, Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness has no opposition in the primary or general election.