Last night six Democratic members of the City Council took the oath of office at City Hall. Republican members are expected to have their own event at a later date.
Nora Powell lost her bid in 2019 although served two terms prior. Considering the scrutiny the Democratic party received in that last election, with an FBI probe and more, things are looking hopeful for her and the party.
Brandon Garrett is starting his second term after replacing Ray Dudley in 2021. He won against Nick Taulbee this year by 96 votes in District 3.
Sara Gullion won against Brad Marshall by just 5 votes. Marshall asked for a recount, however he later conceded the race to Gullion on November 19th after the election boards new count widened the gap from 5 votes to 9.[1] Regardless, even if Marshall had won at a recount the Democrats would still have a majority. Gullion’s race was one of two that could have potentially been contested, the other being District 1 where Steve Craig lost to Jeff Green by just nine votes, although didn’t ask for a recount.
The act of Marshall’s recount was perhaps something of a gamble for his party, considering the risk that Craig in his race could even more so consider a recount after Marshall’s decision and Republicans potentially lose a seat.
Jerry Dishman has served multiple terms for his district, notably in his first election he ran against current mayor Dan Ridenour back in 2007.
Harold Mason Jr. won with the biggest landslide against his Republican opponent. He faced a stronger challenger in his primary, former council-member Roger Overbey who just finished his term this month. Monte Murphy also previously served in council and ran in the primary.
William “Billy” McIntosh was the only at-large candidate on the Democratic ticket to win. He previously served as president of the UAW Local 287 while working at BorgWarner, as well as Precinct Committee Person of Precinct 12.
Although Democrats won a better majority of 6-3, the party informally had that majority prior to November. Republican Troy Ingram frequently sided with and worked with the party’s council members, and leaders of said party hoped he would run again. He was even pushed out of running this year thanks to the GOP, due to minor errors on his paperwork.[2]
Other candidates Steve Craig, Norma Norman, Holly Juip and Jeff Robinson were also present at the event. Robinson spoke to the crowd to congratulate the new members just before the oaths started. Expected to be sworn in soon are Jeff Green, Ro Selvey, and Dale Basham.
[1] Penticuff, David. 2023. “Marshall concedes Fourth District City Council race to Gullion.” Muncie Star Press. November 20th. https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/11/20/marshall-concedes-fourth-district-city-council-race-to-gullion/71647657007/
[2] Penticuff, David. 2023. “Ingram sues election board after being removed from ballot.” Muncie Star Press. March, 4th. https://www.thestarpress.com/story/news/local/2023/03/04/ingram-sues-election-board-asking-to-be-returned-to-gop-primary-ballot/69969106007/