State Sen. Andrea Hunley formally launched her campaign for mayor of Indianapolis at a packed event Friday night, casting herself as an experienced educator and public servant ready to lead the city through a “crucial moment” in its future.
Speaking to a sold-out crowd at Tinker House, Hunley was introduced by supporters who framed her candidacy in terms of place, history, and community. The event was held in a historically Black, working-class neighborhood described as central to the city’s story and identity, with references to local landmarks including School 26, once the largest elementary school in Indiana, and a library opened by librarian Lillian C. Hall.
“Where we are is who we are, and we are history,” one speaker said, tying the neighborhood’s legacy to Hunley’s bid for office and calling Indianapolis “the greatest city in the world.”
Another speaker, a former student, described how Hunley, then a high school language teacher, created a classroom environment that was “warm, welcoming and safe,” and said that Hunley’s influence led her into the field of education. She praised Hunley as a mother, wife, sister, educator, mentor, and “life-long learner” who makes people feel “seen, heard and capable,” and emphasized that Hunley is unafraid to challenge “people, ideas and systems” on behalf of children and the broader community.
Hunley opened her remarks by thanking event organizers, local restaurants, artists, township trustees, union members, volunteers, elected officials, and candidates in attendance, including those coming off a difficult primary. She also acknowledged her husband, Ryan, their two daughters, and an extended network of family and “chosen fam,” calling them her village.
Inviting the crowd into a brief exercise, Hunley asked attendees to close their eyes and imagine the Indianapolis they want to see 10 years from now — its neighborhoods, parks, streets, and small businesses. She then outlined her vision of a city with a vibrant riverfront filled with trails, parks, music, and residents putting down roots; a “women’s sports capital” where daughters grow up under rafters lined with banners; and strong public schools that are parents’ first choice rather than a fallback.
Hunley argued that, despite the city’s strengths, many families are struggling with rising utility bills, climbing rents, and transportation costs that paychecks cannot match. She said neighborhoods across the city are being overlooked and that too many parents go to bed unsure if the schools they love will remain open.
“Indianapolis needs a mayor who refuses to believe that this is as good as it gets,” Hunley said, declaring her candidacy and calling for leadership that “can take care of the basics and go for the goals.”
She cited her 11 years as a teacher and principal, where she hired and fired staff, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and dealt with challenges ranging from drug overdoses and evictions to natural disasters and gun violence. She also pointed to her service in the Indiana State Senate, where she said she helped pass legislation to rein in utility costs, protect foster youth, and strengthen privacy rights.
Hunley pledged a leadership style rooted in listening, respect, accountability, and transparency, promising to work with neighborhood organizers, union leaders, business members, artists, pastors, and residents who “never felt like they had a seat at the table.” She invited voters to share what keeps them up at night and what they want Indianapolis to look like a decade from now.
Framing the campaign as an effort to build a city where every neighborhood is a great place to live and more people choose to move, stay, and raise families, Hunley closed by calling on Indianapolis residents to “write our next chapter together.”
