Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said he is still considering a run for a fourth term in 2027, but he will not decide until later this year.
Three candidates have already entered the race since January, giving early shape to a primary still more than a year away.
In his clearest remarks yet on a possible fourth term, Hogsett told reporters Wednesday he has worked on developing downtown Indianapolis and is not yet finished.
“Any mayor who has put enough time into the development of our downtown would like to see it completed. So it’s one thing to shovel in a new development. It’s another thing to open the doors and welcome people in and see them enjoy it,” he said.
“So that tugs at my heartstrings,” Hogsett said. “But ultimately, I’ll make a decision that’s based on whatever legacy I’d like to leave our city and how far along we are in promoting that legacy.”
Hogsett made the comments to WRTV and WISH-TV at an economic development announcement with Gov. Mike Braun at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The mayor, whose campaign raised money through 2025, said he expects to make his decision later this year.
The three confirmed Democratic candidates are city Department of Public Works administrator David Bride, State Sen. Andrea Hunley and City-County Council member Vop Osili.
Hogsett's third term has been shadowed by accusations of mishandling allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct made by three women staffers against former Chief of Staff Thomas Cook. IndyStar and Mirror Indy have investigated those allegations. The City-County Council later oversaw its own review.
The city faces ongoing public safety and gun violence challenges, housing affordability and rising electric utility costs. The administration is navigating controversies over data center development and the start of a new board to oversee Indianapolis district and charter schools.
Emily Gurwitz, of the Hogsett campaign, shared a statement with WFYI.
“With the 2027 election still more than a year and a half away, he is focused on the work immediately before him to continue shaping a safer and more vibrant Indianapolis,” said the statement. “This includes developing the 2027 City-County budget, moving forward the critical work of the Indianapolis Public Education Corporation, delivering on important infrastructure investments with triple the funding in the strip-patching budget in 2026, and continuing to drive meaningful public safety improvements for neighborhoods across the city.”
Hogsett encouraged people to vote in Tuesday’s primary election. He did not agree to a WFYI interview request through Gurwitz.
Hogsett’s remarks earlier this week came after Hunley and Bride recently entered the race.
The three candidates' campaigns told WFYI that Hogsett's remarks don't affect their plans.
Bride, an administrator with Department of Public Works' stormwater division, said Hogsett’s remarks don’t change his plans “at all.”
“Whatever he’s gonna do, that’s what he’s gonna do. I don’t think that’s going to affect anybody who’s planning to run,” Bride said. “I’m just gonna run and get my message out, and hopefully people gravitate to that, and I’ll be the next mayor of Indianapolis. That’s my comment.”
Hunley has represented Indianapolis’ District 46 in the Indiana Senate since 2022.
“Sen. Hunley does not have any comment on Mayor Hogsett’s plans,” El’ad Nichols-Kaufman, deputy campaign manager for Hunley, said in an email. Hunley is planning a May 8 campaign event, “where you can get a chance to hear more about Sen. Hunley’s plans for the city.”
Osili has been a member of the City-County Council for nearly 14 years and previously served as president.
“I’m running for Mayor,” he said in an email through his campaign. “I’m talking with residents, visiting every corner of our city, and focused on affordability, housing, roads, and public safety. Everyone has the right to decide their own political future, but the real question isn’t about one candidate, it’s about the future of our city.”
Contact WFYI Data Journalist Zak Cassel at zcassel@wfyi.org
