The Indianapolis mayoral election of 2011 took place on November 8, 2011. Voters elected the Mayor of Indianapolis, members of the Indianapolis City-County Council, as well as several other local officials. Incumbent Republican Greg Ballard was seeking a second term. Democrats nominated former deputy mayor Melina Kennedy to run against Ballard. Ballard defeated Kennedy 51% to 47%.
The Indianapolis City-County elections took place alongside the mayoral election, with Democrats taking a 16âÂÂ13 majority. This marked the first time in Indianapolis history that a Republican mayor would lead with a Democratic council.
As of the 2023 election, this is the last time a Republican was elected Mayor of Indianapolis.
Melina Kennedy was described as the "overwhelming favorite" to win the Democratic primary, and succeeded in doing so.
The campaign was the most expensive in Indianapolis history, with the candidates raising a combined $6 million. Representative André Carson, Sam Carson's nephew, endorsed Melina Kennedy. Kennedy was also endorsed by The Indianapolis Star and the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police.