LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A pair of incumbent Democrats won re-election races for mayor in southern Indiana Tuesday night.
In New Albany, Jeff Gahan defeated Ed Clere 52% to 48%.
Gahan, a Democrat, was first elected mayor in 2011 and was re-elected in 2015 and 2019. He served two terms on city council prior to becoming mayor.
“We’re bringing really new infrastructure in the neighborhoods with streets, sidewalks, curb and gutters you know they like those improvements and frankly they deserve them the city is quite over 200 years old so were going to continue to invest in the city of New Albany," Gahan said.
Highlights from Gahan's most recent term include upgrades and expansion of city parks, including the New Albany Shoreline. He was also involved in the efforts to open a new city hall and police station.
Ed Clere, a Republican, was born in Georgetown, Ind., and is a member of the Indiana House of Representatives. He represents the 72nd district, which includes New Albany.
He was elected in 2008.
“I’m very disappointed, you know; it’s not the result we were looking for but I’m incredibly proud of my team including all of the other candidates that were on the ballot with me,” Clere said.
Clere campaigned on making government work better and more efficiently for the average citizen and redeveloping neighborhoods outside of the downtown area.
In Charlestown, Treva Hodges defeated Ruthie Jackson 56% to 44%.
Treva Hodges, a Democrat, was elected mayor of Charlestown in 2019. The area has seen major economic development in recent years, most recently the announcement of a Cheescake Factory bakery and distribution center that will create 200 new jobs.
Ruthie Jackson, a Republican, is the current Charlestown Common Council president. She campaigned on cutting taxes and helping small businesses. She was instrumental in starting a sewer board dedicated to tackling drinking water issues throughout the community.
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