Noblesville city council president announces campaign for mayor

Noblesville City Council president Chris Jensen has announced he’s running for mayor.

Though Jensen’s candidacy had been expected, he made an official announcement Thursday morning. The primary election for municipal offices is still about 11 months away. 

“Our city is growing and is facing new opportunities and challenges. I believe I am the right person to lead our city into its next chapter,” Jensen, 33, said in written comments.

Mayor John Ditslear’s current term expires in 2019, and he has yet to publicly announce whether he will seek re-election. Ditslear, 75, a Republican, was first elected in 2003 and was re-elected to his fourth term in November 2015.

Jensen, a Republican who works as a client service manager for Lochmueller Group, was first elected to the council in 2015. In the 2015 primary, Jensen handily beat opponents Peggy Barts and Michele Leach. He ran unopposed in the general election. Over the past two years, he has served on the finance, parks, economic development and roads committees.

As mayor, Jensen says he would bring transparency and a fresh vision to the city. His background in working closely with government entities in both the private and public sector was a strong factor in his decision to run for mayor, he said.

Before joining Lochmueller, Jensen served as special assistant and director of intergovernmental affairs in former Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman’s office. Jensen was also executive director of the 2016 Indiana Bicentennial Commission.

Jensen said he will run his campaign with integrity and authenticity and will clearly communicate what his top priorities will be for Noblesville throughout the campaign.

“We must take a collaborative approach across the community to make Noblesville a great city that people of all ages are proud to call home,” Jensen said.

In addition to serving as council president, Jensen also serves on the board of the Noblesville High School Alumni Association and Nickel Plate Arts.

Jensen and his wife, Julie, are volunteers and members at Grace Church in Noblesville. They have three children.