James Mueller will be next South Bend mayor

Democrat James Mueller has been elected the next mayor of South Bend after defeating Republican Sean Haas.

Mueller replaces outgoing South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

During his victory speech, Mueller thanked the voters, his campaign volunteers and his opponent Republican Sean Haas for making the race more competitive.

“But it is important that we won resoundingly to send a message Trumpism has no place in South Bend," Mueller said.

Mueller ran on the promise of continuing the progress made under current Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

Mayor Buttigieg made it out to the victory party at Corby's and said Mueller will have his own style and priorities for the city.

“He’s definitely got the preparation, got the heart, got the intellect. He has the understanding of what our city needs going forward," Mayor Buttigieg said.

Throughout the campaign Mueller was criticized by his opponent and some in the community for relying on Buttigieg to win the election.

The people who opposed Mueller claimed a vote for Mueller would be a repeat of Buttigieg’s time in office.

Stan Wruble, the St. Joseph County Democratic chair said the people of South Bend want to continue the progress that has been made.

“I don’t think you can look at what’s happened over 8 years and not really see a lot of progress and James is going to continue that progress. I think that it’s good that this was a contested election so the voters realize South Bend is progressing in the right direction," Wruble said.

Mueller will be sworn in on January 1.

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