Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey: Indiana roundup


Indiana is holding elections, including for municipal offices, on May 2, 2023. A number of candidates running in these elections completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.

Below is a selection of responses from the candidates who filled out the survey as of March 27. To read each candidate’s full responses, click their name at the bottom of the article.

Andy Nielsen (D) is running for Indianapolis City Council District 14 and the primary election is on May 2. Here’s how Nielsen responded to the question: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

“I’m Andy Nielsen and I am running for Indianapolis City-County Council District 14 on the Eastside of Indianapolis in the 2023 municipal elections. I am a proud Democrat, a career public servant, an anti-poverty advocate, and a community leader. I have more than a decade of experience working in government, constituent services, and advocacy to make sure our government and laws are working better for people, and I plan to make it my full-time job to make sure that happens for the Eastside.”

Click here to read the rest of Nielsen’s answers. 

Abdul-Hakim Shabazz (R) is running for mayor of Indianapolis and the primary election is on May 2. Here’s how Shabazz responded to the question: Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

“Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is an attorney, award-winning political writer, and commentator. He has been covering and writing about state and local government in Indiana since 2004 and, before that, in Illinois—for nearly 30 years…He hosts the ‘Abdul at Large’ talk show on WIBC-FM 93.1. He writes opinion pieces for various news publications across the state, including the Indianapolis Business Journal and the Statehouse File. He’s a frequent [panelist] and contributor to Fox 59’s IN Focus and ‘Inside Indiana Business.’…Abdul is also licensed to practice law in Indiana and Illinois. And he holds teaching positions at the University of Indianapolis and Ivy Tech Community College.”

Click here to read the rest of Shabazz’s answers. 

If you’re an Indiana candidate or incumbent, click here to take the survey. The survey contains over 30 questions, and you can choose the ones you feel will best represent your views to voters. If you complete the survey, a box with your answers will display on your Ballotpedia profile. Your responses will also populate the information that appears in our mobile app, My Vote Ballotpedia.

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