Brandon Sakbun | |
---|---|
Mayor of Terre Haute, Indiana | |
Assumed office January 2024 | |
Preceded by | Duke Bennett |
Personal details | |
Born | 1996 (age 27–28) Terre Haute, Indiana, U.S. |
Political party | Democratic |
Education | Indiana University |
Brandon Sakbun (born 1996) is a former United States Army captain and the current mayor of Terre Haute, Indiana.
Sakbun was born in 1996 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Dr. Vannara Sakbun and Mrs. Carlene Sakbun.[1] After graduating from high school, he attended Indiana University's O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, where he received a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in public affairs, and trained to join the army.[2][3]
In 2018, Sakbun received a commission to join the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. He was in the army for 5 years, rising to the rank of Army Captain. He also served on several strike teams and was a lower-level foreign policy advisor to Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden.[2] Shortly prior to becoming mayor, Sakbun transitioned to the Indiana National Guard.[4]
On January 31, 2023, Sakbun announced his candidacy for mayor of Terre Haute, Indiana, running as a Democrat.[5] The incumbent mayor was Republican Duke Bennett, who had been in office since 2008 and was running for a fifth term in office. Sakbun ran a campaign based on expanding and improving infrastructure and improving educational and job opportunities in the city.[6][7] He was notable for his "inexhaustible energy" displayed while campaigning.[3][8]
In the Democratic primary, Sakbun defeated Goodwin by a margin of 54%-46%.
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brandon Sakbun | 2,414 | 56.2% | |
Democratic | Pat Goodwin | 2,034 | 45.8% | |
Total votes | 4,448 | 100.00% |
Incumbent mayor Bennett was nominated without opposition.
In the general election, Sakbun defeated Bennett by a margin of 60%-40%, making him the youngest mayor in Terre Haute history.[11]
Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Democratic | Brandon Sakbun | 5,666 | 59.9% | |
Republican | Duke Bennett | 3,806 | 40.1% | |
Total votes | 9,472 | 100.00% | ||
Democratic gain from Republican |
Sakbun was sworn into office in January 2024.[6]