Until last November, Indiana was home to just one Black female mayor, Gary’s Karen Freeman-Wilson, who served two terms before she was defeated in 2019.
Last November, the so-called glass ceiling began cracking and falling away in earnest across Indiana. Democratic Vanderburgh County Councilwoman Stephanie Terry won the open seat in Evansville, the state’s third-largest city, while Democratic Councilwoman Angie Nelson Deuitch defeated Republican Michigan City Mayor Duane Parry with 60% of the vote the same day. In Lawrence, Councilwoman Deb Whitfield topped Republican Deputy Mayor David Hofmann.
Last April, following the death of Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry, Councilwoman Sharon Tucker won the Democratic caucus to become the first non-white woman to serve in Indiana’s second-largest city.
These four mayors have, thus, opened a new era in Hoosier politics.
Vice President Kamala Harris is only the second woman to win a major party nomination in American history. The first, Hillary Clinton, told the DNC last week: “Together, we’ve put a lot of cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling and tonight so close to breaking through once and for all.”
I asked mayors Tucker and Nelson Deuitch this question at Indiana delegation breakfasts last week at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago: If you were to have a conversation with Vice President Harris about what you’ve just been through and what is in front of her, what would you tell her?
“I would tell VP Harris the same thing she told me a month ago,” Mayor Tucker responded. “She grabbed my hands, imploring me to surround myself with people who believe in her and who want to make sure her vision and mission for these great United States is carried out.”
Mayor Nelson Deuitch added, “I’ve done the work already. I have the experience. I did two different terms on the council, but more than that, I was an engineer; I have a master’s in public affairs, but people still questioned.”
Why is that?
“I went into engineering school when there were no women engineers,” the Michigan City mayor said. “It takes time. Companies change; governments change. I just think it’s slower in government.”
Nelson Deuitch was president of the Michigan City Council when she ran in 2023. She operates I&D Squared, a consulting firm focusing on inclusion and diversity. Her leadership certifications, management experience and all-around tenacity allow her to reach, understand and meet people where they are without judgment.
Tucker’s community engagement has also been extensive with Advancing Voices of Women and the NAACP and Summit City Entrepreneur and Enterprise District. Before she was elected to the Fort Wayne Council, voters had sent her to the Allen County Council.
At March’s Democratic caucus, Tucker’s fiery speech won the room. “I’m the only candidate who stands before you who has all those boxes checked on her resume,” Tucker said. “You see, as 6th District representative, I have had the pleasure of sitting at the table with developers and investors and telling them how great our city is and encouraging them to make investments. I fully understand government.”
After she won the caucus on the second ballot, defeating Indiana House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta, a jubilant Tucker said, “Today you had the opportunity to make history by electing the first 5-foot-3 mayor. To be in a place where they’re fed, loved and cared for, that’s my vision for our community.”
Mayor Tucker had this advice for Vice President Harris: “Enjoy the journey as she travels on. Being the first carries a lot of weight, but it also matters in all of the success of her activity and the things that she does day to day throughout the process.”
I asked Tucker another question: What has it been like to break that glass ceiling in Fort Wayne?
“It’s been both exciting and stressful,” Tucker replied. “I know there are a lot of people who are looking at me to see how I will respond and react to multiple things, where most of the time when there’s a man in charge, people can automatically assume the response. Coming from a female — an African American female — people are wondering what the responses will be until they get a chance to get used to me and how I serve.
“And so Vice President Kamala Harris as president will have the same people looking at her to see what her responses and reactions will be,” Tucker continued. “But at the end of the day, she is a leader like I am, so I really believe she will lead us with grace and dignity.”
Nelson Deuitch added, “I’ve run departments, I’ve managed multiple units across multiple states, and yet it’s still one of those things where you have to prove yourself, even though I’ve already proved it. You’ve got to make sure your team is ready to deal with those things, because as a Black woman in a nontraditional role there’s always a question.”
Has the Michigan City Council and her constituency been open to her leadership?
“Yes,” Nelson Deuitch responded. “Our council is one of the most diverse councils with all age groups. They understand I have an open door. I make sure they understand their roles and responsibilities and how to communicate.”
A new era has opened in Indiana, and, possibly, America.
Brian Howey is senior writer and columnist for Howey Politics Indiana/State Affairs, where this column was previously published. Find Howey on Facebook and X @hwypol. Send comments to [email protected].
