An Indianapolis Success Story

Councillor José Evans was born to an African-American mother and Hispanic father and has lived in Indianapolis since he was 1 year old. He was raised by his single mother in Haughville who instilled in him the values of hard work and education. “If it wasn’t for the love and dedication of my mother I would not be here today” says Evans. Every day he watched his mother work two jobs to put herself through nursing school and provide for her family. She sacrificed her own life so that her children could have a fighting chance. As the oldest of four siblings José knew he had to succeed. He earned both athletic and academic scholarships to Cathedral High School and the University of Indianapolis. He later went on to earn an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

An Experienced Leader

Councillor José Evans isn’t running for mayor to do the bidding of downtown corporate interests, he’s running for mayor to improve our neighborhoods and create jobs. He served as the Executive Director of the Indiana Commission on the Social Status of Black Males under Governor Frank O’Bannon, Director of Minority and Women Business Enterprises for the City of Indianapolis under Mayor Bart Peterson, and for the past five years as a pharmaceutical salesman. In 2007, what turned out to be a difficult year for Democrats in Marion County, José made history being the first Democrat to represent District 1. He was also the second Hispanic to ever be elected to Indianapolis City-County Council. Councillor José Evans won his seat through hard work. He met with voters everyday on their doorsteps and at events across the district. He is an able leader who reached out across party lines and earned support from Democrats, Independents and Republicans because of his drive and commitment to improving our neighborhoods and creating jobs.

City-County Councillor Evans is running for Mayor because he wants to make sure opportunities that were available to him are available to young people for generations to come. As Councillor, José Evans focuses on job creation and economic opportunity. He currently serves on the Economic Development Committee, Metropolitan Development Committee, and Ethics Committee. As a member of the Economic Development Committee, Councillor Evans fought against proposals that stifle economic growth and helped to promote policies that create jobs and foster sustainable development across all areas of Indianapolis. As a member of the Metropolitan Development Committee, Councillor Evans became an advocate for neighborhood concerns, putting the interests of people first. On the Ethics Committee he works to hold elected officials accountable for their actions.

Thanks to leaders like Congresswoman Julia Carson who showed the way from Haughville to Congress, and Governor Frank O’Bannon who gave Councillor Evans his first chance in politics, he is able to run for Mayor today. José is young, energetic, and eager to share his bold vision for Indianapolis.

A Real Democrat

José Evans is a lifelong member of the Democratic Party. He is a Democrat because he believes in the ideals of the party. He has a strong sense of justice, equality and fairness. He believes that the role of government is not to serve the rich and the powerful, but, to create equal opportunities for all.

Too many Democrats have lost sight of these values. Instead of doing what is best for neighborhoods, too many Democrats are doing what is best for big time developers and downtown corporate interests who bankroll their campaigns. Jose Evans isn’t a corporate Democrat – he is a real Democrat who puts our neighborhoods first.

A Family Man

José Evans is married to his beautiful wife Tara and the proud father of three children: Malcolm, 20, Tayshaun, 8, Landon, 8 months. He and his wife live in the Pike Township neighborhood of Indianapolis and worship at Northside New Era Baptist Church.