After primary snub, Carmel Mayor Brainard endorses Sue Finkam in general election

John Tuohy, Indianapolis Star
Updated ·2 min read

Outgoing Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard conducted one last piece of politicking Tuesday before his term expires, endorsing fellow Republican Sue Finkam in the mayoral race despite backing an opponent in the primary election.

Finkam announced the endorsement in a news release. She is being challenged by Democrat Miles Nelson in the Nov. 7 general election.

"Sue Finkam has the experience, passion, and plan to ensure Carmel continues to prosper,” Brainard, the seven-term mayor, said in a statement. “Sue has served our community on the City Council with honor and integrity, she has deep knowledge of city operations and budgets, and her leadership in City Hall is exactly what is needed to unite our residents. I urge Carmel voters to join me in supporting Sue Finkam as Carmel's next mayor."

Brainard endorsed Councilman Kevin "Woody" Rider in the May Republican primary over Finkam and former Hamilton County Councilor Fred Glynn.

Jim Brainard chats with staffers during a regular meeting at City Hall, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, on the day Brainard, Carmel’s longtime mayor, announced he’s not seeking reelection.
Jim Brainard chats with staffers during a regular meeting at City Hall, Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2022, on the day Brainard, Carmel’s longtime mayor, announced he’s not seeking reelection.

"The upcoming Republican Primary election could dramatically change the direction of our city and reverse the progress we have made as a community," Brainard said then.

Nelson’s campaign downplayed the mayor's endorsement, though the first-term councilor has called Brainard a mentor.

“Mayor Brainard is a Republican, so, it's quite unsurprising to us that he would endorse another Republican,” campaign manager Cynthia Johnson said in a statement to IndyStar. “What is perplexing is why the endorsement came so late, during a time when it has very diminished value to the Finkam campaign.”

Johnson said the mayor’s endorsement of Finkam doesn't change Nelson's admiration for him.

"Miles often describes Mayor Brainard as a mentor because of the ways they've worked together on a variety of initiatives and projects during his first term on council," Johnson said. "Miles frequently talks about building on Mayor Brainard's legacy because he believes he has the best vision to keep Carmel moving forward in its next chapter."

Call IndyStar reporter John Tuohy at 317-444-6418 or email him at john.tuohy@indystar.com. Follow him on Facebook and X/Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard endorses Sue Finkam in election