GARY CITY COUNCILMAN Mark Spencer traveled to Indianapolis earlier this week to file his candidacy for State Senator. Spencer is vying to represent the 3rd District in the Indiana State Senate, a position previously held by Mayor Eddie Melton and has received the mayor’s endorsement. Spencer will face James Vinzant in the May 2024 Democratic Primary. Vinzant was recently selected in a precinct caucus to replace Melton.
Councilman-at-large Mark Spencer traveled to Indianapolis to be first to file as a candidate for the Indiana Senate District 3. Spencer narrowly lost a caucus vote to represent District 3 on January 3rd, following the retirement of Senator Eddie Melton in 2023.
“I remain confident that I am the right person for the Senate seat representing Indiana District 3,” Spencer said. “Between now and election day, I plan to do all I can to convince the voters of Lake Station, New Chicago, Hobart, Merrillville and Gary that I am here to serve their best interest.”
Spencer grew up in Gary, Ind., finishing high school in the very first graduating class of Emerson School for the Visual and Performing Arts. He was the first college graduate in his family, returning to Gary as an educator and drum major for the arts in his community. He is Director of Fine Arts for Gary Community School Corporation and credited as the founder of the West Side Theatre Guild.
In 1996, Spencer began the transformation of the West Side High School drama club into the West Side Theatre Guild. Under his leadership, The Guild has emerged as a regional theatre showcasing students and community members, national and international performing artists and thought leaders.
“I am most proud of my 32 years serving the district as an administrator,” Spencer said. “I have been on the leadership team that has worked diligently to recover our public schools and balance budgets, championing fiscal responsibility and diplomacy throughout the process.”
According to Spencer, he has been encouraged to expand how he serves the community, believing that his success in the classroom, as a school administrator managing the production of plays, concerts and television specials, has prepared him for bigger challenges.
Spencer recently ran a successful campaign, being elected to the Gary Common Council as councilman-at-large.
