2011 Indianapolis mayoral election

The Indianapolis mayoral election of 2011 took place on November 8, 2011. Voters elected the Mayor of Indianapolis, members of the Indianapolis City-County Council, as well as several other local officials. Incumbent Republican Greg Ballard was seeking a second term. Democrats nominated former deputy mayor Melina Kennedy to run against Ballard. Ballard defeated Kennedy 51% to 47%.

The Indianapolis City-County elections took place alongside the mayoral election, with Democrats taking a 16–13 majority. This marked the first time in Indianapolis history that a Republican mayor would lead with a Democratic council.

Republican party

 * Greg Ballard, incumbent mayor

Democratic party

 * Melina Kennedy, former Deputy Mayor for Economic Development

Defeated in the primary

 * Sam Carson
 * Ron Gibson
 * Brian Williams

Removed from ballot

 * Bob Kern

Libertarian party

 * Chris Bowen

Campaign
Melina Kennedy was described as the "overwhelming favorite" to win the Democratic primary, and succeeded in doing so.

The campaign was the most expensive in Indianapolis history, with the candidates raising a combined $6 million. Representative André Carson, Sam Carson's nephew, endorsed Melina Kennedy. Kennedy was also endorsed by The Indianapolis Star and the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police.