Bob Kern, CEO of Hoosier Enquirer, Files to Challenge Kate Sweeney Bell in Marion County Clerk Democratic Primary

Bob Kern, CEO of Hoosier Enquirer, Files to Challenge Kate Sweeney Bell in Marion County Clerk Democratic Primary

By Hoosier Enquirer Staff

February 5, 2026, Indianapolis, IN- In a bold move that could shake up local Democratic politics, Bob Kern, the CEO of the independent media outlet Hoosier Enquirer, has officially filed to run for Marion County Clerk in the upcoming Democratic Primary. Kern, a longtime political activist and frequent candidate in Indiana elections, is set to challenge incumbent Kate Sweeney Bell, who has held the position since her election in 2022.

Bob Kern speaks at the 2024 Democratic Convention for his bid at Indiana Lt Governor. Bob won the nomination but the State party stole the election by changing the party rules last minute. Deadline filing was May 30th, 2024 but the Democratic party change the rules on June 1st, 2024 to accommodate Jennifer McCormick's Lt Governor pick Terry Goodin.

Kern's decision to enter the race comes amid growing scrutiny of Sweeney Bell's tenure, with critics accusing her of various administrative shortcomings. As the chief elections officer for Marion County, Sweeney Bell oversees critical functions including voter registration, election administration, and court record-keeping. Prior to her role as Clerk, she served as Marion County Recorder from 2015 to 2022.Kern, known for his outspoken style and history of running in multiple races across the state, positions himself as a reform candidate focused on transparency and accountability. In a statement announcing his candidacy, Kern directly targeted Sweeney Bell, alleging ethical lapses in her conduct. "Sweeney Bell needs to pay an attorney she owes money to ordered by the courts," Kern said. "She is an elected official breaking the law and whom is an officer of our courts."

The allegation stems from what Kern describes as a court-ordered payment related to a legal dispute, though it has been confirmed through public records. Sweeney Bell's office has not yet responded to requests for comment on the claim or Kern's candidacy. This primary challenge highlights ongoing tensions within the Marion County Democratic Party. Sweeney Bell has faced previous controversies, including lawsuits alleging cover-ups of election violations and accusations of flouting state election laws, as reported by Hoosier Enquirer in prior articles. Critics have dubbed her "Sweatshop Sweeney" in reference to alleged labor practices within her office.

Bob Kern speaks at the 2024 Democratic Convention.

Kern's platform emphasizes restoring integrity to the Clerk's office, improving election security, and ensuring fair access to public records. As CEO of Hoosier Enquirer, an Indianapolis-based outlet dedicated to uncovering suppressed news stories, Kern brings a media perspective to his campaign, promising to leverage his experience in investigative journalism to hold officials accountable.

Bob Kern speaking at the 2024 Democratic Convention.

The Democratic Primary for Marion County Clerk is scheduled for May 2026, with the winner advancing to the general election in November. As of the latest candidate lists from the Indiana Secretary of State, Sweeney Bell remains listed, but Kern's filing adds a new dynamic to the race. Voters in Marion County, Indiana's most populous county, will have a choice between continuity under Sweeney Bell and the reform-oriented challenge from Kern. As the campaign unfolds, expect heated debates over ethics, election administration, and the role of the Clerk in upholding the rule of law. Hoosier Enquirer will continue to provide updates on this developing story.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: Hoosier Enquirer is a non profit and will not endorse any political candidate and this article is NOT an endorsement.