Three candidates have filed to fill the vacancy on the Gary Common Council ahead of a Democratic meeting on Thursday where the replacement will be selected.
According to a list provided to Capital B Gary by Lake County Democratic Party Chairman Mike Repay, Oliver Gilliam, Norman Hairston, and Kerry Rice are seeking to replace 3rd District Councilwoman Mary Brown, who died in early October.
In addition, five candidates – Hairston, LaJuan Clemons, Jeremiah King, LaVetta Sparks-Wade, and Marcus Williams – have filed for an at-large seat that could become vacant following Tuesday’s general election.
Several of the candidates listed have previously either served in Gary government or sought public office.
The Democratic Party meeting where Brown’s successor will be chosen is called a caucus.
Hairston, who filed for both seats, previously served on the Genesis Convention Center board and competed in the 2024 Democratic caucus that selected Ron Brewer for the Lake County Council.
Clemons serves on the Gary Redevelopment Commission, while King, founder of the civic organization Building Leaders Advancing Community Knowledge, has advocated for greater political participation among Gary residents.
Sparks-Wade, a former Gary councilwoman and parks director, unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan in the May Democratic primary.
The Times of Northwest Indiana reported that Brewer intended to pursue the vacancy. However, Brewer’s name was not among the candidates on the list provided to Capital B Gary by Repay following the Oct. 30 filing deadline. Brewer, who lost his primary reelection race in May, is serving until his term ends Dec. 31.
The at-large vacancy depends on whether current Councilman Darren Washington wins his election for the Lake County Council. The 3rd District vacancy will be filled immediately regardless of Tuesday’s election results.
A third seat, Dwight Williams’ 6th District seat, could become available after Tuesday’s election, but according to Repay, should Williams win his election for Lake County Council, a caucus will be held later this year.
Under Indiana law, vacancies in local elected offices held by members of major political parties are generally filled through a caucus of eligible precinct committee members from the same party. Unlike a general election, residents do not vote directly for the replacement. Instead, precinct committee members representing the vacated district select the person to serve out the remainder of the term.
Seven members are eligible to vote for the 3rd District representative, while 45 members are eligible to vote for an at-large replacement.
The caucus, scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the Calumet Township Multipurpose Center, is not open to the public.
