The 1947 Evansville, Indiana mayoral election was held on November 4, 1947, and saw the election of Democrat William H. Dress returned to office for a third nonconsecutive term, unseating Republicanincumbent Manson Reichert. Dress was only the second individual in the city's history to win three mayoral elections.[3]
Due to a change in state election law after the previous election, the election was moved to 1947. As a result, the preceding term of incumbent Reichert was extended to 1948, giving him an unprecedented five-year term as mayor before this election.[4]
The 1951 Evansville, Indiana mayoral election was held on November 6, 1951, and saw the election of Republican nominee Henry O. Roberts. Roberts defeated Democraticincumbent Edwin F. Diekmann, who had been appointed as mayor following the November 1949 death in office of William H. Dress.[3]
The 1955 Evansville, Indiana mayoral election was held on November 8, 1955, and saw the election of Democratic nominee Vance Hartke.
Hartke, the chairman of the Vanderburgh County Democratic Party organization, had faced city recreation director James R. Newcom in the Democratic primary election. The primary was competitive.[6]
In early June, during the general election, thirteen supporters of Hartke's vanquished primary election opponent, Newcom, filed a complaint under Indiana's Corrupt Practices Act of 1945. The complaint related to $8,000 that had been raised by a Jefferson–Jackson Day dinner, which these supporters of Newcom alleged was used to assist Hartke's candidacy, but should instead have been used to assist the Democratic Party in general.[7][8] The lawsuit alleged that Hartke's campaign manager, Sheriff Frank McDonald, had therefore misused the proceeds from the dinner banquet.[9] The lawsuit was dismissed in late August, after the plaintiffs refused to post a $500 cost bond.[9]
Republican nominee Curtis Huber was a real estate man, who found himself in conflict with the local county Republican Party organization.[10]
The general election campaign between Hartke and Huber was considered to be one of the harshest up to that point in the city's history.[11]
In the coinciding city council election, Hartke's Democratic Party won seven seats, capturing all but two seats (with those two seats coming from wards that were considered to be overwhelmingly Republican-leaning ).[10][11] The Democratic nominee also won the city clerk race and a race for city judge.[10] At the time, Vanderburgh County (which had voted for the national winner of every previous United States presidential election going back to 1892) was regarded as a political barometer, thus, attention was paid to the Democratic Party landslide in Evansville, the county seat of Vanderburgh County.[10] Ultimately, however, Vanderburgh County, and the nation, would end up voting for the Republican ticket in the subsequent 1956 United States presidential election.[citation needed]
The 1963 Evansville, Indiana mayoral election was held on November 5, 1963, and saw the reelection of Democraticincumbent Frank F. McDonald. He defeated former mayor Henry O. Roberts, the Republican nominee.[12]
The 1967 Evansville, Indiana mayoral election was held on November 7, 1967, and saw the reelection of Democraticincumbent Frank F. McDonald to a third consecutive term. This made him the first mayor to win a third consecutive term in the city's history.[14]
City Council president William L. Brooks defeated William Arendell, a former coroner, in the Democratic Party primary. Brooks had boasted the endorsement of outgoing mayor Frank F. McDonald, and was considered the front-runner in the primary.[15]
Republican primary
Russell G. Lloyd Sr. won the Republican Party primary against a single opponent. Lloyd entered the primary with the support of the local Republican organization.[15]
General election
At 70%, turnout was considered to be high.[16]
Lloyd's victory, with a 9,158, was considered impressive and surpisingly large.[16] His victory came amid a bad municipal election year for Indiana's Republican Party. Along with the Indianapolis mayoral election, Evansville's election marked one of only two Republican mayoral victories in the state's larger municipal areas with Democrats winning the elections in East Chicago, Fort Wayne, Gary, Hammond, South Bend, and Terre Haute.[16]
In the coinciding city council election, Republicans won 8 seats, and Democrats won one.[17]
The strong Democratic performance came despite outgoing mayor McDonald having been seen, prior to the election, as having established one of the strong city and county Democratic organizations in the state.[15]
The Democratic primary was won the Indiana state representativeJ. Jeff Hays. The Democratic primary was largely predicted to be a toss-up between Hays and Jerry Linzy, the director of development for the University of Evansville.[19] The third candidate was city sewage department employee Jack Roll.[19]
Randall T. Shepard, an administrative assistant to incumbentRepublican mayor Russell G. Lloyd Sr., won the Republican primary.[18][22] Lloyd defeated Bradley Ten Barge, a musician and retail worker.[22] Shephard was the frontrunner for the nomination, and had been endorsed by the local Republican Party organization's slating committee.[22]
General election
Ahead of election day, race was considered one of the most competitive mayoral races in the state of Indiana that year.[21]
Incumbent mayor Michael Vandeveer faced token opposition from two challengers. While neither opponent were seen as posing a strong challenge to Vandeveer, more serious of the two candidates running against Vandeveer in the primary was Berta Hammerseen, a former university professor and former member of the Evansville Housing Authority. Hammerstein criticized Vandeveer for the financial troubles of the city, and for shortcomings in regards to economic development in the city. Mark R. Chellgren of the Associated Press wrote shortly before the day of the primary, "the tone of her attacks has put off some party regulars, who give her little chance to unseat Vandeveer". Vandeveer's other challenger was Larry Williams, who did not do much in regards to campaigning.[23]
Republican primary
Four-term city councilman and high school teacher David Koehler won the Republican nomination.[23][24] Running against him in the Republican primary was and former two-term Vanderburgh Countysheriff James DeGroote.[23]
Koehler had the backing of the local Republican Party organization, which provided his campaign with organizational and financial support.[23] DeGroote dedicated himself as a full-time campaigner.[23]
Both candidates argued that economic development should be the first priority of Evansville's mayor. The campaign between them was not focused on issues, but rather on personality. Also effecting the race was debate over the influence of the county Republican chairman, Bob Whitehouse.[23]
Koehler worked to soften his public image. Despite being seen as a good manager, Mark R. Chellgren of the Associated Press wrote that he was seen as having, "little regard for the people side of government".[23]
DeGroote ran, in large part, on both his record as sheriff, and on presenting himself with a friendly image.[23]
General election
Early into the campaign, the Republican Party had hopes that its nominee might be able to unseat Vendeveer. However, Koehler's candidacy failed to create momentum.[25]
Koehler alleged that Vandeveer was guilty of "fiscal mismanagement", often pointing to a financial crisis that the city government had faced in 1981. Koehler also accused Vandeveer of subjecting residents to too many new fees, while also alleging that Vandeveer did not make the best use of the revenues generated by these fees. Koehler also attacked Vandeveer for his shortcomings in attracting economic development.[25]
Vandeveer insisted that the city's economic issues were largely attributable to the ongoing early 1980s recession, and predicted that the city would see improved economic fortunes by the end of the decade.[25]
Both nominees were in agreement that the state of Indiana should pass legislation to establish a new local option income tax, as well as provide additional new methods for city's such as Evansville to generate more revenue.[25]
The 1987 Evansville, Indiana mayoral election was held on November 3, 1987, and saw the reelection of Democraticincumbent Frank F. McDonald II, a city councilman who had been serving as interim mayor since May (having been appointed interim mayor on May 23, 1987, by the city council after mayor Michael Vandeveer resigned in order to accept a lobbyist job).[26][27]
Days before announcing his plans to resign, incumbentMichael Vandeveer was renominated by his party.[27] He had been unopposed for the nomination.[28] After Vanderveer announced his resignation, Frank F. McDonald II was selected by Democratic leaders to fill his place. McDonald was also appointed by the city council to serve as interim mayor until the winner of the election would take office.[26]
Republican primary
Al Folz won the Republican nomination.
General election
Folz was seen as running too weak of a campaign organization to stand a strong chance at winning the Democratic-leaning city.[29]
Incumbent Frank McDonald II was renominated, defeating challengers Frank Fuquay and Kerry Longest.[32][33]
Republican primary
Business owner Lori Frary won the Republican nomination over David Coker, Jack Groshands, and Doug DeGroot.[32]
General election
The election was considered a low-key race.[34] Discussion largely centered upon the city's upcoming riverboat casino, which would open the month after the election.[34]
Incumbent Russell G. Lloyd was challenged by Douglas DeGroot, who ran a frugal campaign.[40] DeGroot's performance in the vote was regarded as surprisingly strong.[41]
2003 was a good year for Democrats in Indiana's mayoral elections, with the party winning control of the mayoralties of all of the state's top seven most populous cities for the first time since 1959.[42] The Democratic Party also won control of the mayoralties in twenty of the state's thirty cities with populations above 25,000.[42] Additionally, in 2003, Democrats won more than 56% of partisan mayoral races in Indiana.[43]
During the general election, Vanderburgh County, where Evansville is located, saw voter turnout of 25% in its various elections.[44]
The 2019 Evansville, Indiana mayoral election was held on November 5, 2019, and saw the reelection of RepublicanLloyd Winnecke to a third consecutive term.
The 2023 Evansville, Indiana mayoral election was held on November 7, 2023. Party nominees were selected in primary elections on May 2. Incumbent Republican mayor Lloyd Winnecke chose to retire rather than run for re-election to a fourth term in office and was succeeded by Stephanie Terry. [56]
Republican primary
Declared
Cheryl Musgrave, Vanderburgh County commissioner and former Vanderburgh County Assessor[57]
Natalie Rascher, talent acquisition professional and member of the Vanderburgh County Alcohol Beverage Commission[58]
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^ a b"1568237380_97793.pdf" (PDF). Evansville, Indiana. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
^ a b"Mayor Dies At Evansville". Newspapers.com. The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky). The Associated Press. November 11, 1949. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
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^"Indiana Voters To Pick Nominees For Mayor, City Offices". Newspapers.com. Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Kentucky). Associated Press. May 3, 1955. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
^"Legality of Indiana's Corrupt Practices Act of 1945 Attacked". Newspapers.com. Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Kentucky). Associated Press. June 10, 1955. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
^"Democrat Mayor Nominee Target Of Corrupt Act". Newspapers.com. The Times (Munster, Indiana). The Associated Press. June 2, 1955. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
^ a b"Suit Against Evansville Mayor Nominee Dropped". Newspapers.com. The Indianapolis News. The Associated Press. August 30, 1955. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
^ a b c d""Weathervane in Indiana points to Democrats"". Newspapers.com. The Kansas City Star. Associated Press. November 9, 1955. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
^ a b"Area Election Highlights". Newspapers.com. Princeton Daily Clarion (Princeton, Indiana). November 9, 1955. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
^Zeigner, Edward (October 24, 1963). "Race Uphill For Evansville GOP". Newspapers.com. The Indianapolis News. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
^ a b"1505149328_77671" (PDF). Evansville, Indiana. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
^ a b"Municipal Voting Key To '68 Campaign". Newspapers.com. The Indianapolis News. May 1, 1967.
^ a b c d eZiegner, Edward (May 3, 1971). "114 Cities To Pick Nominees for Mayor". Newspapers.com. The Indianapolis News. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
^ a b c dMooney, Robert P. (November 14, 1971). "Lloyd's Evansville Win Aids GOP". Newspapers.com. The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
^"HERE ARE THE ELECTION RESULTS FROM ACROSS THE STATE". Newspapers.com. The Daily Reporter (Greenfield, Indiana). The Associated Press. November 3, 1971. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
^ a b c d e"1505148348_15424.pdf" (PDF). www.evansvillegov.org. Evansville, Indiana. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
^ a b cWilkinson, Ernest A. (May 4, 1975). "Few Exciting Issues Face Voters Before Primaries". Newspapers.com. The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
^"Hoosiers to elect mayors in 115 cities". Newspapers.com. Tipton County Tribune. United Press International. November 4, 1975. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
^ a b"GOP hoping to even control in Hoosier city halls". Newspapers.com. Palladium-Item (Richmond, Indiana). Associated Press. November 6, 1979.
^ a b c d e f g"State Prepares for Mayoral Races". Newspapers.com. The Vincennes Sun-Commercial. The Associated Press. May 6, 1979. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
^ a b c d e f g h iChellgren, Mark R. (April 30, 1983). "Evansville mayor relying on record to win primary". Newspapers.com. The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky). The Associated Press. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
^ a b c"1505148399_51894.pdf" (PDF). Evansville, Indiana. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
^ a b c dNeal, Andrea (October 28, 1983). "Evansville mayor candidates agree about state aid". Newspapers.com. The Herald (Jasper, Indiana). United Press International. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
^ a b"24 May 1987". Newspapers.com. The Courier-Journal (Louisville, Kentucky). The Associated Press. May 22, 1987. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
^ a bRemondini, David J. (May 9, 1987). "Evansville mayor's resignation sparks a scramble". Newspapers.com. The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
^ a b"4 of 5 mayors seek renomination Tuesday". Newspapers.com. The Reporter-Times (Martinsville, Indiana). United Press International. May 2, 1987.
^Dawson, David (September 20, 1987). "Republicans aim for mayoral race upsets". Newspapers.com. Journal and Courier (Lafayette, Indiana). Gannett News Service.
^ a b c"Goldsmith, Barnes win; Becker takes Evansville's GOP nod". Newspapers.com. The Daily Reporter (Greenfield, Indiana). The Associated Press. May 8, 1991. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
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^ a b c"Goldsmith goes for 2nd term". Newspapers.com. Time Times (Munster, Indiana). The Associated Press. May 3, 1995. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
^"Five Republicans, three Democrats file for Evansville mayor race". Newspapers.com. Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Kentucky). The Associated Press. February 18, 1995. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
^ a b c"Evansville mayor easily wins". Newspapers.com. Messenger-Inquirer (Owensboro, Kentucky). November 8, 1995. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
^"Evansville Mayors". genealogytrails.com. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
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^"INDIANA MAYORAL ELECTIONS 1999 EVANSVILLE". www.in.gov. Indiana Secretary of State. Archived from the original on June 18, 2009. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
^ a b"Historical Election Results". indianavoters.in.gov. Indiana Secretary of State. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
^ a b"Mayor Lloyd's Primary Opponent, Douglas De Groot enters Republican Primary for Mayor". City-County Observer. February 16, 2011. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
^Langhorne, Thomas B. (May 7, 2019). "GOP renominates Winnecke by whopping margin in Evansville". Battle Creek Enquirer. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
^ a bHowey, Brian A. (November 5, 2003). "Democrats control top 7 Hoosier cities" (PDF). The Howey Political Report. 10 (14). Retrieved December 11, 2019.
^Marschall, Melissa; Lappie, John (May 2016). "Mayoral Elections in Indiana 2003–2015" (PDF). Rice Kinder Institute for Urban Research. Retrieved May 5, 2020.
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^ a b c"Election Summary Report" (PDF). Evansville, Indiana. November 18, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
^ a b c d"PRIMARY ELECTION VANDERBURGH COUNTY, INDIANA MAY 3, 2011 STATISTICS" (PDF). Vanderburgh County, Indiana. May 13, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
^ a b c"MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VANDERBURGH COUNTY TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2015" (PDF). Evansville, Indiana. November 18, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
^ a b c d"PRIMARY ELECTION VANDERBURGH COUNTY, INDIANA MAY 5, 2015 STATISTICS" (PDF). Vanderburgh County, Indiana. May 15, 2011. Retrieved September 25, 2019.
^ a b c"SUMMARY REPORT MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION VANDERBURGH COUNTY, IN NOVEMBER 5, 2019 UNOFFICIAL TOTALS". Vanderburgh County. Retrieved November 5, 2019.
^ a b"Indiana Election Results May 7, 2019". Indiana Election Division9. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
^ a b c dLanghorne, Thomas B. (June 30, 2019). "Evansville mayoral race is in uncharted territory". Evansville Courrier & Press. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
^Doyle, Abbey (November 5, 2019). "Lloyd Winnecke's re-election puts him in select group of Evansville mayors". Evansville Courier & Press. Retrieved November 6, 2019.
^ a bBrown, Alex (July 11, 2022). "Evansville mayor not seeking re-election". Inside Indiana Business. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
^Langhorne, Thomas (July 7, 2022). "Musgrave will run for Evansville mayor in 2023, whether Winnecke seeks re-election or not". Evansville Courier & Press. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
^"Natalie Rascher announces bid for mayor, increasing Republican primary field to three".
^"New face joins race for Evansville mayor".
^ a b"Field of Evansville mayor candidates down two after election board action".
^Garrett, Jana (July 13, 2022). "Gabe Whitley throws his hat in the ring". www.tristatehomepage.com. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
^ a b"Three more people have opted out of the Evansville mayoral race". January 17, 2023.
^ a b c dSmith, Bailey (July 11, 2022). "Mayor's retirement sparks question – who will run for office in 2023?". www.tristatehomepage.com. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
^"Steve Schaefer not running for Evansville Mayor".
^ a b"More mayoral races uncompetitive" (PDF). February 9, 2023.
^"Vanderburgh County Prosecutor Diana Moers Endorses Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave for Mayor".
^"FOP puts support behind Cheryl Musgrave in Evansville mayoral race".
^ a b"Democrat Stephanie Terry announces campaign for Mayor of Evansville".
^"There's a contest among Democrats for mayor of Evansville — for now".
^Langhorne, Thomas (August 24, 2022). "One of the top names in local Democratic politics says he won't run for Evansville mayor". Evansville Courier & Press. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
^Bailey, Cody (September 6, 2022). "EPD Assistant Chief considering run for Evansville mayor". www.tristatehomepage.com. Retrieved October 31, 2022.
^"Michael Daugherty makes announcement for Evansville mayor".
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