Jesse Brown (born 1986) is an American politician and former teacher from Indianapolis, Indiana currently serving on the Indianapolis City-County Council for the 13th District, representing portions of Downtown Indianapolis, Martindale–Brightwood, Near Northside, Near Eastside, Eastside, Christian Park and Irvington.[2] On November 7, 2023, Brown was elected to the Indianapolis City-County Council with 78% of the total vote.[3] He is a member of the Indianapolis-affiliate of the Democratic Socialists of America, which endorsed him during the 2023 election.[4]
Jesse Brown | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Indianapolis City-County Council from the 13th District | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2024 | |
| Preceded by | Zach Adamson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1986 (age 37–38)[1] |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Other political affiliations | Democratic Socialists of America |
| Spouse | Mary Kate Dugan |
| Residence | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Education | Indiana University, Indianapolis |
Education and early career
editBrown graduated from Cathedral High School in 2004. In 2010 he graduated from Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis where he later received a bachelor's degree in cultural anthropology.[5] He worked as a high school teacher at a charter school. Brown moved to his neighborhood approximately 15 years ago and currently works with nonprofit human services.[6]
Political activism and election
editBrown formed and filed his Committee Organization for election on January 4 with the Marion County Clerk. In a video posted to X on January he announced his candidacy publicly.[7] In April 2023 he spoke out against the appointment of Greg Hill over Nichelle Hayes as CEO of the Indianapolis Public Library.[8]
While an outspoken supporter of labor, Brown's opponent Council Vice President Zach Adamson secured the endorsements of numerous labor organizations affiliated with the Indianapolis AFL-CIO.[9] Adamson also earned the endorsement of the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce. Brown's opponent gained the endorsements of several influential leaders in Indianapolis politics, including the former chairs of the Marion County Democratic Party; Joel Miller and Kate Sweeney Bell. Incumbent Prosecutor Ryan Mears, County Treasurer Barbara Lawrence, Assessor Joe O’Connor, Council President Vop Osili and Majority Leader Maggie Lewis also threw their support behind Adamson.[10] Brown raised around $20,000, while Adamson raised approximately $77,000.[11] Brown defeated Adamson in the May 2 primary election, securing 1,790 votes (55.94%).[12]
Brown joined with sitting councilors and future councilors Andy Nielsen, Brienne Delaney and Nick Roberts to practice picket with Teamsters Local 135 during contract negotiations with United Parcel Service.[13] Brown defeated Libertarian candidate Elizabeth Glass on the November 7 general election, securing 5,479 votes (77.79%).
Brown was assigned in 2024 to the committees on Environmental Sustainability, Municipal Corporations and Parks and Recreation.[14]
Electoral history
edit2023
edit| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jesse Brown | 1,790 | 55.94% | |
| Democratic | Zach Adamson (Incumbent) | 1,410 | 44.06% | |
| Total votes | 3,200 | 100.0% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Jesse Brown | 5,479 | 77.79% | ||
| Libertarian | Elizabeth Glass | 1,564 | 22.21% | ||
| Total votes | 7,043 | 100.0% | |||
| Democratic hold | |||||
References
edit- ^ "Meet the candidates running for City-County Council District 13". Indianapolis Recorder. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- ^ "2024 Council District Map". Indy.gov. IndyGiS. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ Cheang, Ko Lyn. "Republicans gain one seat as Democrats retain supermajority on Indy City-County Council". IndyStar. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ "Wins from coast to coast!". DSA National Electoral Commission. 2023-11-10. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ "Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council, District 13". The Indiana Citizen. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ "Meet the candidates running for City-County Council District 13". wfyi. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- ^ @lizmjohns (January 4, 2023). "Brown Announces Candidacy for District 13" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ McGowan, Chloe. "Indianapolis Public Library board appoints new CEO behind closed doors". WFYI. Retrieved January 2, 2024.
- ^ James, Briggs. "Primaries test union grip on Indianapolis Democrats". Axios. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- ^ "Endorsement for Zach Adamson". Adamson For Indy. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- ^ James, Briggs. "Primaries test union grip on Indianapolis Democrats". Axios. Retrieved 1 January 2023.
- ^ "2023 Marion County primary election results (preliminary)". wfyi. 2023-05-02. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
- ^ @JesseForIndy (July 19, 2023). "Brown at Teamsters 135 practice picket" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Committees of the Council". www.indy.gov. Retrieved 2024-01-10.
External links
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