By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
Fort Wayne Councilwoman Sharon Tucker has made history after becoming Indiana’s second-largest city’s new mayor. Tucker becomes Fort Wayne’s first Black mayor and second woman to hold the position. She was selected during a Democratic caucus to replace the late Mayor Tom Henry, who died in March.
Tucker, a Democrat, secured her win in the second round of voting during the Democratic caucus, meeting the requirement of 50% of the votes plus one, the local Journal Gazette reported. She will be sworn in as mayor early next week, according to Derek Camp, chairman of the Allen County Democratic Party.
“Today, Mayor Tucker proved that she has the energy and support of our party, and we look forward to supporting her as she works to continue moving our community forward,” Fort Wayne Democratic Party officials stated in a news release.
Seven candidates, including Indiana Democratic House leader and state Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, ran in the party caucus. A total of 92 precinct committee members cast votes to determine the successor to Henry, who died at the age of 72 after battling stomach cancer.
Camp confirmed that Tucker will serve the remainder of Henry’s term, which runs through December 31, 2027.
Tucker’s Background and Community Involvement
A graduate of Indiana Tech, Tucker holds two Bachelor of Science degrees in Management and Human Resources. She has a community and civic engagement history, having served as the Treasurer for the Allen County Democratic Party for five years and as Vice Chair in 2016.
Tucker was elected 1st District Councilwoman on the Allen County Council in 2014 and re-elected to a second term in 2018. She later won the 6th District City Council seat in 2019, becoming the first African American woman to hold that position.
In addition to her political roles, Tucker has been involved in various community organizations. She is a Zeta Phi Beta Sorority member, AVOW (Advancing Voices of Women), and the NAACP. Tucker also volunteers on the Board of Directors for the Allen County Public Library, Alliance Health Clinic, and SEED.
In 2012, Tucker founded the ’Women in Politics Forum,’ an annual event focusing on empowering, engaging, and educating women on political involvement. According to her official council bio, Tucker has mentored several local female political candidates and advocated for women’s political representation.
In 2021, Tucker launched Project Activate SouthEast Fort Wayne (PASE), an entrepreneurial training and pitch competition designed to support economic development in the southeast portion of the city.
Outside of her political and community service, Tucker runs an e-commerce business and a YouTube channel, Classy Shay Designs, which offers craft supplies for DIY projects and custom gifts.
