A former Marion County deputy prosecutor is running against his old boss.
Philip Foust, a Republican, is seeking his party’s nomination to run against Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears in the general election.
Foust, the clerk-treasurer for the town of Speedway, said Indianapolis has become less safe under Democratic leadership.
“For too long, Prosecutor Mears has lost sight of his most basic responsibilities: justice and public safety,” Foust said in a Feb. 5 press release. “The law is not being enforced, criminals are facing fewer consequences, and victims are paying the price. That has to change.”
Foust previously worked under Mears as a deputy prosecutor, where he handled cases ranging from juvenile offenses to murder.
The only Republican to file for the position, Foust will face Mears in the general election. But unseating a Democrat in deep-blue Marion County is no easy task, as recent history has shown.
Mears defeated his last Republican challenger, Cyndi Carrasco in 2022, earning 59% of the vote compared to Carrasco’s 41%. Carrasco is now a state senator.
Foust will need to raise considerable sums of money to level the playing field. He reported just shy of $4,000 in his most recent campaign finance report, while Mears has more than $293,000.
But his allies believe he has what it takes.
“With rigorous legal training, battle-tested courtroom experience, and a proven record of public service, Philip Foust is exactly the kind of leader our county needs in the prosecutor’s office,” said Natalie Goodwin, chair of the Marion County Republican Party, in a statement following Foust’s announcement.
Foust was born in northern Indiana and grew up in Pike Township. He lives in Speedway with his wife and son. He is a graduate of IUPUI and Harvard Law School.
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Peter Blanchard covers local government. Reach him at 317-605-4836 or peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @peterlblanchard.
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