Political commentator Abdul-Hakim Shabazz is running for mayor of Indianapolis as a Republican, setting up a three-way primary between him, pastor James Jackson, and John Couch.
He made the announcement on WIBC-FM 93.1’s “Kendall & Casey Show” Thursday morning.
He had said he was forming an exploratory committee for a possible Mayoral run in December. He is the editor and publisher of IndyPolitics.org, a politics website.
According to his campaign website, his policy agenda includes tougher penalties for crimes committed in low-income areas or “economically challenged zones,” increasing school choice, and working with state lawmakers to protect long-time homeowners from increases in property tax assessments.
He also suggested that the city should work with the state to capture a portion of the gas tax collected in certain economically challenged areas that would be dedicated to roads, streets and sidewalk repair.
In the Democratic primary, Mayor Joe Hogsett is facing state Rep. Robin Shackleford, Gregory Meriweather, Clif Marsiglio, Larry Vaughn and Bob Kern.
The primary is May 2. The general election is Nov. 7.
This story will be updated.
Contact IndyStar reporter Ko Lyn Cheang at kcheang@indystar.com or 317-903-7071. Follow her on Twitter: @kolyn_cheang.
