Indy mayor candidate Vop Osili talks to IndyStar about data centers, Hogsett controversy

Vop Osili, a Democratic candidate for Indianapolis mayor in the 2027 election, is leveraging nearly 15 years of experience on the City-County Council to appeal to voters and donors. His tenure, however, has drawn criticism, particularly after he ordered police to forcibly remove Lauren Roberts from a June 2025 council meeting while she testified about sexual harassment allegations against former Mayor Joe Hogsett’s aide, Thomas Cook. In an exclusive interview with IndyStar on May 28, Osili outlined his priorities for the mayor’s office, focusing on affordability, public safety, infrastructure, and equity. He cited past efforts to uplift neighborhoods, including establishing equity initiatives in 2019, and stressed the importance of resident input in shaping policies. Osili also addressed data center development, framing it as a tool for economic growth and neighborhood revitalization. His campaign positions him as a steady leader with business acumen, contrasting with opponents like Indiana Sen. Andrea Hunley, who emphasizes her background as a public school educator, and David Bride, a former union leader targeting working-class voters. The controversy surrounding Osili’s handling of the Roberts incident remains a focal point for critics, while supporters highlight his long-standing commitment to local governance. Hunley and Bride have framed their campaigns as alternatives, appealing to progressive and labor-oriented voters respectively, setting up a competitive primary race ahead of the 2027 election.