An Indiana University undergrad is now the sole candidate vying for District 6 on Bloomington City Council since his opponent has dropped out of the race.
David Wolfe Bender (D) was supposed to face off against fellow student Benjamin “Bean” Appleton in the May Democratic primary — but on Wednesday, Appleton formally withdrew.
Bender said he’s glad to be closer to winning but disappointed he won’t get to publicly share and debate ideas with his former opponent.
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“Let’s be honest: these races are made better with more ideas, with more people,” Bender said. “There is a little bit of disappointment but we’re also excited that we might have the opportunity to lead starting in January.”
Appleton did not respond to a request for comment.
Bender said he still wants to hear Appleton’s policy ideas and possibly incorporate them into his campaign. Meanwhile, he plans to shift his priorities from traditional campaigning to surveying residents on issues.
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“We have some great ideas, I think, in how we can reach more voters and talk to more Bloomingtonians throughout the sixth district about what’s important to them,” Bender said.
The sixth district seat was left vacant after last year’s redistricting process. It is the city’s most central council district and is largely made up of students.
Bender has been pushing for younger representation in city government, since thousands of Bloomington’s residents are students.
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“We are a city where students and non-students can come together to form a more perfect community,” Bender said. “This is going to prove it.”
Bender is running on issues including affordable housing and improved accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Bender and District 4 incumbent Dave Rollo are the only city council candidates running unopposed. Bender is also one of two IU students running for a seat. Undergrad Conner Wright (D) is running for a seat in District 3.
