Brandon Sakbun

Brandon Sakbun (born 1996) is a former United States Army captain and the current mayor of Terre Haute, Indiana.

Early life and education
Sakbun was born in 1996 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Dr. Vannara Sakbun and Mrs. Carlene Sakbun. After graduating from high school, he attended Indiana University's O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, where he received a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in public affairs, and trained to join the army.

Army career
In 2018, Sakbun received a commission to join the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. He was in the army for 5 years, rising to the rank of Army Captain. He also served on several strike teams and was a lower-level foreign policy advisor to Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden. Shortly prior to becoming mayor, Sakbun transitioned to the Indiana National Guard.

Mayoral candidacy
On January 31, 2023, Sakbun announced his candidacy for mayor of Terre Haute, Indiana, running as a Democrat. The incumbent mayor was Republican Duke Bennett, who had been in office since 2008 and was running for a fifth term in office. Sakbun ran a campaign based on expanding and improving infrastructure and improving educational and job opportunities in the city. He was notable for his "inexhaustible energy" displayed while campaigning.

Democratic

 * Brandon Sakbun, member of the Indiana National Guard and former Army Captain
 * Pat Goodwin, engineer

Republican

 * Duke Bennett, incumbent mayor (2008-2023)

Democratic primary
In the Democratic primary, Sakbun defeated Goodwin by a margin of 54%-46%.

Republican primary
Incumbent mayor Bennett was nominated without opposition.

General election
In the general election, Sakbun defeated Bennett by a margin of 60%-40%, making him the youngest mayor in Terre Haute history.

Mayoral Tenure
Sakbun was sworn into office in January 2024.