Ex-Indianapolis Mayor Ballard Won't Make Congressional Bid

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard says he won't seek the congressional seat being given up by Republican Rep. Susan Brooks.

Ballard spent eight years as mayor until his second term ended in 2015 and was the best known of the possible Republican candidates mentioned for the party's attempt to continue its hold on Indiana’s 5th Congressional District.

The 64-year-old Ballard said in a statement Thursday that he and his wife are downsizing and decided against running for the congressional seat that stretches from the northern Indianapolis suburbs to rural areas around Marion.

"During the past few weeks I have been heartened by the kind words of encouragement to run for Indiana’s Fifth District in the U.S. House of Representatives," Ballard says. "While Winnie and I have decided to downsize, and move to Hamilton County as part of that process, I will not be running for Congress."

Brooks announced in June she wouldn't seek a fifth term. No prominent Republicans have yet announced campaigns.

Former Democratic lieutenant governor nominee Christina Hale is campaigning for the seat.