The Indianapolis mayoral election of 2011 took place on November 8, 2011. Voters elected the Mayor of Indianapolis, members of the Indianapolis City-County Council, as well as several other local officials. Incumbent Republican Greg Ballard was seeking a second term. Democrats nominated former deputy mayor Melina Kennedy to run against Ballard.^[1][2] Ballard defeated Kennedy 51% to 47%.^[3]

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2011 Indianapolis mayoral election

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Turnout	29.9%
Nominee Greg Ballard Melina Kennedy Party Republican Democratic Popular vote 92,499 84,968 Percentage 51.3% 47.1%
Precinct results Ballard:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90% Kennedy:      40–50%      50–60%      60–70%      70–80%      80–90%      >90%      No votes
Mayor before election Greg Ballard Republican Elected Mayor Greg Ballard Republican

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The Indianapolis City-County elections took place alongside the mayoral election, with Democrats taking a 16–13 majority.^[3][4] This marked the first time in Indianapolis history that a Republican mayor would lead with a Democratic council.^[5]

Melina Kennedy was described as the "overwhelming favorite" to win the Democratic primary,^[8] and succeeded in doing so.

The campaign was the most expensive in Indianapolis history, with the candidates raising a combined $6 million.^[9] Representative André Carson, Sam Carson's nephew, endorsed Melina Kennedy.^[10] Kennedy was also endorsed by The Indianapolis Star and the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police.^[11][12]