Mayor Jim Brainard announced his official support Oct. 31 for Republican candidate Sue Finkam to be his successor.
“Sue Finkam has the experience, passion and plan to ensure Carmel continues to prosper,” Brainard stated. “Sue has served our community on the city council with honor and integrity, she has deep knowledge of city operations and budgets and her leadership in City Hall is exactly what is needed to unite our residents. I urge Carmel voters to join me in supporting Sue Finkam as Carmel’s next mayor.”
Brainard, a Republican nearing the end of his seventh term, is not seeking re-election. He endorsed Kevin “Woody” Rider in the Republican primary. Brainard did not respond to a request for comment.
Finkam is facing Democrat Miles Nelson in the mayoral race. Nelson’s campaign manager, Cynthia Johnson, said it is not surprising that Brainard would endorse his party’s candidate.
“From the beginning, Miles’ campaign has been primarily focused on winning the endorsement of a majority of Carmel voters, which is why next Tuesday night he’s going to be our next mayor,” Johnson said.
Both candidates have received several endorsements.
Nelson has been endorsed by:
- AFL-CIO
- Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters
- Indiana ConservationVoters
- Moms Demand Action
- Voters for a Green Indiana
- Former Sen. Evan Bayh
- State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn
- State Sen. J.D. Ford
- State Sen. Fady Qaddoura
Besides Brainard, Finkam’s endorsements include:
- Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb
- Carmel Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 185
- Carmel Professional Firefighters Local 4444
- MIBOR RPAC
- Dottie Hancock, former Carmel mayor
- ReCenter Indiana PAC
