FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – A Fort Wayne drag queen announced a bid for mayor Tuesday afternoon.
Branden Blaettner, better known throughout the community as Della Licious, announced his bid via Facebook. Allen County Democratic Party Chair Derek Camp confirmed he filed paperwork to be one of the candidates seeking to finish out the fifth term of the late Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, who died last month after a battle with stomach cancer.
Blaettner, a community organizer, said he has a lot of love for the city and respect for Tom Henry and his mayor. If elected, Blaettner said he would strive to help those suffering from addiction, hunger and homelessness.
The candidate said he doesn’t want to “get Fort Wayne back on track,” but rather keep the momentum started by Henry going while giving a platform to the disenfranchised in the community.
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Blaettner said he doesn’t think his local fame as a drag queen will hold him back.
“It’s easy to have a platform when you wear platform heels,” Blaettner said.
But, he thinks his bid for mayor could shake things up – something he thinks the city needs.
“The status quo has left a lot of people out in the cold – both figuratively and literally,” Blaettner said.
The story continues below our previous coverage of Blaettner.
Democratic Precinct Chairs will be tasked with voting in Fort Wayne’s next mayor, who will complete the majority of Henry’s fifth elected term, on Saturday.
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A mayoral vacancy town hall is set to happen from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday ahead of the Saturday vote. All mayoral candidates who have filed by the Wednesday deadline and meet the eligibility requirements will attend the town hall and have an opportunity to speak to the public and the Democratic precinct chairs who will vote in the vacancy caucus.
The caucus will begin at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and is being held at Parkview Field inside the Lincoln Financial Event Center. Only precinct chairs will be permitted to vote, but the public will be allowed to attend the event.
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