2 Republicans face off in District 2; Democratic challenger waits in wings

Incumbent 2nd District Columbus City Councilman Ryan Brand is being challenged by Robert Sullivan for the Republican nomination for the council seat in the May 5 primary. Sullivan serves on the Columbus Board of Works and Safety, appointed in 2013.

The candidate who wins the Republican primary will face Democratic newcomer Elaine Hou Wagner in the fall election.

Name: Ryan Brand

Party: Republican

Age: 41

Address: 422 Ninth St.

Occupation: Business development manager, Elwood Tradesmen

Education: Some college, Ball State University

Previous elected offices held (and when): City Council, 2nd District, current

Previous elected offices sought (and when): City Council, 2nd District, 2011

Community involvement: Columbus Area Arts Council, member and past president; Columbus Park Board, past president; Commons Board; Plan Commission; Columbus Area Metropolitan Planning Organization; Arts District Coalition; Columbus Young Professionals; St. Peters Lutheran Church.

Immediate family: Wife, Tricia Brand; daughters, Ellie, Amelia and Harper.

Name: Robert (Bob) Sullivan

Party: Republican

Age: 34

Address: 1484 Thresher Drive

Occupation: Instrumentation technical support specialist, Cummins Inc. Advanced Engineering

Education: Studying mechanical engineering technology in pursuit of bachelor’s degree at Purdue College of Technology, Columbus; electronic systems technology coursework, Community College of the Air Force, 1999-2000; Jennings County High School, 1999

Previous elected offices held (and when): None

Previous elected offices sought (and when): Columbus City Council, at large, 2011; Bartholomew County Council, District 2, 2010

Community involvement: Columbus Board of Works and Safety, 2013-present; Bartholomew County Common Construction Wage Committee, 2013-present; Columbus Parks and Recreation, soccer coach; attend services at The Ridge.

Immediate family: Wife, Jessica; sons, Ryley and Jacob

Name: Elaine Hou Wagner

Party: Democratic

Age: 28

Address: 4265 Sharp Lane

Occupation: Marketing, Cummins, Inc.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University, Bloomington

Previous elected offices held (and when): None

Previous elected offices sought (and when): None

Community involvement: Columbus Chinese Association, president, 2010-2012; United Way, Volunteer; United Way Community Impact Review Teams; Foundation For Youth, board member; Dance Marathon; Carnivale; Mill Race Marathon

Immediate family: Husband, Christian Wagner; brother, Ethan Hou.

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The Republic is publishing daily primary election previews through Sunday. Coming Wednesday: Learn about Columbus City Council District 3 candidates.

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