Indiana University graduate student Joshua Stockton announced his campaign to run for City Council District 6 today, basing his platform on housing affordability, improving infrastructure and boosting the local economy.
He’s running to replace the seat held by Sydney Zulich, who last week announced her campaign for mayor of Bloomington. Zulich, a 2023 IU grad, won her seat that same year and was elected just four days after her 21st birthday. The majority of District 6 constituents are IU students, and the area historically has low voter turnout, according to the B Square Bulletin.
City councilors serve as a link between their constituents and the local government, and they control the city’s property and finances. The city council meets twice a month to pass legislation and take official action.
Stockton grew up in Indiana and has lived in Bloomington for six years. At IU, he is pursuing a master’s degree in public affairs with a concentration in local government management. He previously worked as a water treatment operator and intern for the City of Bloomington Engineering Department. Stockton also received a bachelor’s degree in public affairs from IU.
In a press release, Stockton emphasized the need to prioritize local legislation that addresses the housing and affordability crisis. The city has faced pressure to increase the availability of affordable housing and has cleared several homeless encampments in the past year.
“I believe in common-sense solutions, like conserving our existing affordable housing, while also making zoning code changes that make building cheaper, easier and swifter,” he wrote in the press release.
Stockton also emphasized his belief in strengthening the local economy by working with local businesses on city projects.
While Stockton’s announcement did not state a political party affiliation, he told the B Square Bulletin that he will be seeking the Democratic party’s nomination. Stockton cannot formally file a declaration that he is running for office until Jan. 6, 2027.
