Entrepreneur Sharon Tucker becomes the first Black mayor in Fort Wayne’s history

Meet Sharon Tucker; she has become Fort Wayne’s first black mayor and the second woman to hold the esteemed position. Her new position requires her to resign from her current position as City Councilwoman for the 6th district.

The first woman mayor was Cosette Simon, who served 11 days as mayor after fellow Democrat Winfield Moses resigned as part of a plea agreement involving alleged campaign finance violations, according to The Associated Press.

Tucker, a Democrat, emerged victorious on Saturday following two rounds of voting involving seven candidates during a Democratic caucus when she met the requirement of 50% of the votes plus one, The Journal Gazette reported.

In a statement, the local Democratic Party said that it was excited to have “Mayor Tucker at the helm, leading Fort Wayne into the future.”

“Today, Mayor Tucker proved that she has the energy and support of our party, and we can’t wait to support her as she works to continue moving our community forward together,” the statement added.

In her victory speech, she underscored her determination and commitment. “Now you’ve entrusted in me a heavy job, and it doesn’t weigh light on my shoulders,” she said, outlining her priorities while emphasizing economic development both downtown and within neighborhoods.

“When we invite economic development to our communities and support entrepreneurs from inside, it just helps strengthen our economy… And a robust economy helps provide opportunities for everyone.”

The mayor’s office became vacant following Mayor Tom Henry’s death after experiencing a medical emergency related to his stomach cancer. He was 72. Tucker will serve the remainder of Henry’s mayoral term, which runs through December 31, 2027.

Tucker is a graduate of Indiana Tech with two Bachelor of Science degrees in Management and Human Resources. Before entering active politics, she was the Treasurer for the Allen County Democratic Party for five years and Vice Chair in 2016.

She won the 1st District Councilwoman seat on the Allen County Council in 2014 and won a second term in 2018. She would go on to win the 6th District City Council seat in 2019, making her the first African-American woman to hold that position.

She is also the founder of the ’Women in Politics Forum,’ an annual event focusing on empowering women in political involvement. Through the platform, she has mentored several women in politics and civil engagement, according to The San Diego Voice and View Point.

Tucker also launched Project Activate SouthEast Fort Wayne (PASE) in 2021 as an entrepreneurial training and pitch competition to foster economic development in the southeast region of the city.

In addition to her political life, she is also an entrepreneur. She runs an e-commerce business and a YouTube channel, Classy Shay Designs, which offers craft supplies for DIY projects and custom gifts, according to The San Diego Voice and View Point.