State Sen. Jim Merritt Declines to Pursue Republican Mayoral Nomination

Jim Merritt, a Republican State senator, said this Tuesday morning he will not run for Indianapolis mayor next year.

Republicans had urged Merritt to seek the nomination for a chance to succeed Mayor Greg Ballard, who announced last month he will not seek a third term leading the city.

But today, Merritt said he would instead focus on the 2015 legislative session. Merritt is the majority caucus chair for Senate Republicans.

“I am humbled to be considered as a potential Indianapolis mayoral candidate. After careful deliberation, I have decided not to run for mayor in 2015. I love the city of Indianapolis, but my responsibilities as a state senator and majority caucus chairman are my top priorities," Merritt said in a statement.

“The Republican mayoral candidate will need to hit the ground running, and due to the 2015 legislative session I will be unable to wholeheartedly commit myself to the race for the first four months of the year. While I appreciate the encouragement I have received, my focus will remain on serving the people of Senate District 31.

“Mayor Greg Ballard has done a remarkable job leading our city to success. Indianapolis is an exciting place. We have come a long way in the past seven years. I am proud of Indianapolis, and truly believe we have even brighter days ahead. I will remain involved in the conversation about the future of our capitol city, and look forward to leading efforts on its behalf in the legislature.”

Former U.S. attorney Joe Hogsett is the only Democratic mayoral candidate so far.