Jerome Prince (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerome A. Prince
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| 21st Mayor of Gary, Indiana | |
| In office January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Karen Freeman-Wilson |
| Succeeded by | Eddie Melton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 16, 1964 Gary, Indiana |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1982–1986 |
Jerome A. Prince is an American politician who served as the 21st mayor of Gary, Indiana. He was born on August 16, 1964. Prince is a member of the Democratic Party. He became mayor on January 1, 2020. His term ended on December 31, 2023. State Senator Eddie Melton won the Democratic primary election for mayor in 2023.
Early Life and Education
Jerome A. Prince grew up in Gary, Indiana. He attended Lew Wallace High School and graduated from there.
Career Before Becoming Mayor
In 1982, Prince joined the United States Marine Corps. After serving, he returned to Gary in 1986. He then worked in real estate, insurance, and retail sales.
In 1994, he started working for the Calumet Township Assessor's office. He was a real estate deputy there. Prince became involved in local politics in 1998. He was elected to the Gary Precinct Committee Organization.
The next year, in 1999, he was elected to the Gary City Council. He represented the fifth district. In 2008, Prince was chosen to be a member of the Lake County Council. This happened after another member resigned. He was elected Lake County Assessor in 2014. He held this position until 2019.
Serving as Mayor of Gary
Jerome A. Prince was elected mayor of Gary in 2019. He won against the mayor at that time, Karen Freeman-Wilson. Prince officially became mayor on January 1, 2020.
As mayor, he focused on several important areas. After the George Floyd protests, he promised to create a police reform commission. This group would look for ways to improve policing. Prince also worked to bring manufacturing jobs back to Gary.
In March 2020, he signed his first executive order. This order aimed to increase the hiring of minority, female, and veteran employees by the city government. He also worked to tear down abandoned buildings in Gary. This was part of his plan to help reduce crime in the city.
On May 2, 2023, State Senator Eddie Melton won the Democratic primary election for mayor. Melton received almost 59% of the votes. Prince accepted the results and finished his term. His time as mayor ended on December 31, 2023.
