The first Republican candidate has entered the race for South Bend mayor.

Sean Haas is a South Bend native, graduated from IUSB, is a military veteran and high school teacher.

“The primary focus of city government should be public safety and infrastructure,” Haas said. “I believe that there are a lot of good things happening in the City of South Bend, but that we need to do a better job at the basics – the rucking and mauling, in rugby terminology.”

Haas said he would like to focus on infrastructure issues, grow the South Bend economy, close the skills gap, and reinvest in public safety agencies.