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Chuck Brewer explains his plan to run for mayor

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Businessman Chuck Brewer is running for mayor of Indianapolis and Republican party leaders want him to be the GOP nominee.

Brewer, who owns two downtown restaurants, was planning to run for the City-County Council until recently. He has never run for office before but has a resumé that includes 23 years of military service.

He is a Marine who served two tours in Iraq and continues to serve as an officer in the Marine Reserves.

Brewer immediately becomes the favorite to take on leading Democrat Joe Hogsett in the November election.

“About a week ago when, you know, it occurred to me that the party didn’t have the right candidate,” he said, “I stepped forward and said, I want to do this. I want this job and I can prove myself.”

On Monday Deputy Mayor Olgen Williams announced that he will also run as a Republican.

That sets the stage for a contested GOP primary.

Brewer said he plans to finance a portion of his campaign using his own money but he wouldn’t say how much he plans to spend.