The Indianapolis City-County Council Democratic Caucus announced plans to elevate Councilor Maggie A. Lewis to council president in 2026, with Councilor John Barth slated to serve as vice president and Councilor Jared Evans selected as majority leader. The leadership team is expected to take office at the council’s Jan. 5 meeting.

The caucus announcement follows Council President Vop Osili’s decision earlier this month not to seek another term as council president, a move that has fueled ongoing speculation that he may be positioning himself for a run for Indianapolis mayor in 2027. Osili has said he intends to remain on the council.

Lewis, currently the council’s Democratic majority leader, said in the caucus announcement that she intends to work with the full council and the Hogsett administration on priorities including public safety, public health, and overall quality of life. Lewis also encouraged residents to participate by attending council and committee meetings and community events in council districts.

Under the caucus plan, the 2026 leadership team would launch a monthly council newsletter, with quarterly special editions spotlighting districts across the city’s north, south, east, and west sides. The leadership team also said it plans to take council committee meetings “throughout the community” and strengthen internal leadership practices by emphasizing teamwork and a clearer strategic direction, with the stated goal of making the council more responsive and efficient.

Barth, who represents District 7, is slated to become vice president under the caucus plan. Evans, who represents District 17, would serve as majority leader.

Osili has served as council president since 2018 and represents District 12. In announcing he would not seek another term as council president, Osili said the decision came after reflection and indicated he would share more about his future plans later. The announcement has drawn attention because stepping away from the council’s top leadership post can be a step that clears space for a future citywide campaig