State Representative Robin Shackleford Enters Indianapolis Mayoral Race

Indianapolis – State Representative Robin Shackleford (D-Indianapolis) today announced that she will be entering the race for Indianapolis Mayor. Shackleford, the chair of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus, made the announcement at the Madam Walker Legacy Center. 

“Madam Walker symbolizes the hope that I have for this city and what it can do,” said Shackleford. “The child of former slaves became the first self-made American woman millionaire. The center’s website says the advantageous opportunities afforded to Madam because of her move to Indianapolis helped her business flourish, and that she endeavored to provide a safe, welcoming environment for marginalized people.”

Shackleford pledged to do the same as Mayor. 

“Indianapolis is a tale of two cities – one with good roads where residents don’t worry about putting food on the table and feel safe in their homes – and another with pothole-ridden streets where residents struggle to get enough to eat and worry that at any moment a stray bullet will travel through their wall and strike their child,” Shackleford said. “We need to bridge the gap between the two different versions of Indianapolis and prioritize making Indy a safer place to live, work, play and raise a family.”

Shackleford says she will focus on seven main areas as mayor:

• Prioritize making Indy a safer place to live, work and play by addressing root causes of crime, such as poverty, mental health, drug addictions and gangs. 
• Balance and broaden economic growth in all parts of the city by making doing business in Indy easier. 
• Ensure federal transportation funds are distributed efficiently and equitably by advocating to fill a billion-dollar infrastructure funding gap. 
• Increase affordable and equitable housing by developing residences without displacing residents and addressing homelessness humanely. 
• Decrease the achievement gap by increasing our investment in literacy and tutoring and bringing the city and its public schools closer together. 
• Address chronic health conditions plaguing our communities by eradicating food deserts and decreasing drug overdoses that are crippling the health of our families.
• Promote an inclusive, welcoming city for all. 

The Indianapolis native has dedicated her life to public service. She was first elected to the Indiana House of Representatives in 2012. Shackleford currently represents District 98 on the Indianapolis eastside. 

She also has a background in project management, supervision, training and budgeting in the private sector. Shackleford is currently an independent health and life insurance broker, ensuring clients are covered by high-quality and affordable plans. She has taken a leave of absence from that position to focus on the campaign and the upcoming legislative session. 

Shackleford is a graduate of Indiana University and IUPUI, having earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public affairs. She currently serves as board president for Pathway Resource Center.