Rev. Harrison won’t run for Indy mayor
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Rev. Charles Harrison announced Wednesday morning he will not be running for mayor of Indianapolis.
The Ten Point Coalition leader had previously created an exploratory committee to look at a run for mayor, but not much was said afterward.
Details about why Harrison chose not to run weren’t immediately available Wednesday morning. He said he would release a statement later in the day.The current front runners in the race for mayor are Democrat candidate Joe Hogsett and Republican candidate Chuck Brewer. Now-Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard is not seeking a third term.
Hogsett release a statement following Harrison’s decision not to run for mayor.
“My friend Charles Harrison is deeply invested in this city and has dedicated his life to promoting peace on our streets. As federal prosecutor, I saw first-hand the impact his efforts have had in neighborhoods across our city. Whether through his shepherdship of Barnes United Methodist Church or the impactful work of the Ten Point Coalition, I am confident that Reverend Harrison will continue to play an important role in discussions as to how we can make Indianapolis a safer, stronger city for all.”
Brewer also released the following statement:
“I have incredible respect for Rev. Charles Harrison and he would have been a great competitor. I hope to sit down with Rev. Harrison soon to discuss his ideas for our city to ensure that his important voice is still included in the debate. Additionally, I call on Joe Hogsett to join me in pledging continued support for the Ten Point Coalition and their valuable work in our city for years to come.”
Mayor Greg Ballard also praises Rev. Harrison.
Ballard recently told us that Harrison is “a great citizen and we’re so lucky to have a guy like him in our city. We really are. He’s a highly-motivated and highly-focused individual.”
Ballard said he doesn’t know who was behind the petition drive encouraging Harrison to run.
“I was a little astounded to find out that he didn’t know who was behind the petition drive. Doesn’t surprise me because a lot of people understand what he is trying to do,” said Ballard.
“There’s a lot of people who just want to say: Hey, look at me and pontificate and all that,” Ballard said. “He’s down there. He’s doing the work. He’s really trying to stop the violence on a personal level with so many different people. So, he’s an impressive man.”