Attorney, political commentator and educator Abdul-Hakim Shabazz announced today that he was officially forming an exploratory committee for the Mayor of Indianapolis.

“I  think it is time for a discussion about new leadership and taking our city in a new direction,”  Shabazz said.  “If I decide to run, public safety, public works and public trust will be the three pillars of my mayoral campaign.”

Shabazz has lived in Indianapolis for nearly 20 years.

He is an attorney licensed to practice law in Indiana as well as his home state of Illinois.

Shabazz is also the editor and publisher of Indy Politics, a website devoted to covering state and local politics.

He was a radio talk show host at WXNT radio, focusing heavily on governing state and local issues.  Over the course of his career, he has provided analysis for WRTV, Fox 59, WISH-TV,  WTLC-AM, the Indianapolis Star and the IBJ.  He is currently a weekend talk show host at WIBC.

In addition to being a political commentator, he is also an adjunct instructor at Ivy Tech Community College and the University of Indianapolis, where he taught speech, business law and political science.

“For nearly 20 years, I have spent most of my days writing and commenting on the issues that impact the citizens of Marion County as well as central Indiana, and now I feel it’s time to consider taking the next step,” Shabazz said.  “Indianapolis was once a shining city on the hill, and working together; we can make it shine again. All citizens, regardless of political affiliation, deserve safe streets, good roads and a government they should not have to worry about.”

He also served on several not-for-profit boards and is also a member of the Marion County Public Defender Board.

By forming an exploratory committee, Shabazz can “test the waters” of a possible Mayoral run.

Shabazz holds an undergraduate degree in Media Studies and Broadcast News from Northern Illinois University, a Master’s degree in Public Affairs Reporting from the University of Illinois in Springfield and a law degree from St. Louis University.

He is married to his wife, Cheron Evans-Shabazz.  They reside on the northwest side of Indianapolis with their two dogs, Barack and Milo.

To schedule an interview, contact Rob Burgess rob@burgessenterprises.us,  (317) 371-4743