Three Indianapolis Councilors Call for Mayor Hogsett Resignation Amid Harassment Controversy

Calls for Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's resignation have intensified following a report on sexual harassment allegations against his former chief of staff, Thomas Cook, and revelations of the mayor's late-night texts to younger women. Josh Bain, a Republican councilor, became the first GOP member to publicly demand Hogsett step down, citing "profound ethical failures" and criticizing Hogsett's decision to retain Cook despite multiple allegations. Democrat councilors Andy Nielsen and Jesse Brown have also called for his resignation, emphasizing the need for new leadership to restore trust. The controversy deepened after a woman accusing Cook was forcibly removed during a council meeting, and some criticized Hogsett's handling of civil unrest in 2020 and his alleged impaired state during a recent MLS meeting. Although an independent investigation found Hogsett's administration legally compliant, the growing political pressure and loss of support from some council members have complicated his ability to govern effectively. Despite this, formal removal options like impeachment or recall are controlled by state-level authorities, making Hogsett's future uncertain amid the mounting calls for accountability.