Democrats won control of the Indianapolis City-County Council on Tuesday, capturing 16 of 29 seats and taking over the city’s legislative body for the first time since 2007.

Victories in all four at-large races shifted the balance in Democrats’ favor. Republicans previously controlled 15 seats, holding a one-seat edge on the council.

Countywide Democratic candidates Zach Adamson, John Barth, Pam Hickman and Leroy Robinson – all newcomers – captured seats from two Republican incumbents, Angel Rivera and Barbara Malone, and beat out two Republican newcomers, Jackie Cissell and Michael Kalscheur.

Democrats also prevailed in tossup district races, including the Beech Grove district where Democratic newcomer Frank Mascari ousted incumbent Republican Susie Day.

Republicans maintained their seats in other highly competitive races, including the West side race pitting Republican Janice McHenry against Brett Voorhies, a Democrat. Incumbent Republican Christine Scales also held onto her seat in another competitive northeast side race, beating Democrat Kostas Poulakidas by 39 votes.

As observers told IBJ last month, the council’s shift to Democratic hands will play a key role in issues such as a citywide smoking ban and public safety funding.
 
It also will pose obstacles for Republican Mayor Greg Ballard, who won a second term on Tuesday, as he pursues his policy agenda over the next four years.

Complete results of Marion County elections can be found here.