Critchlow Launches Challenge to Mayor Mueller
Portage Township Trustee Jason Critchlow plans to run against South Bend Mayor James Mueller in the 2027 Democratic primary.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Elections
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Portage Township Trustee Jason Critchlow announced plans to challenge South Bend Mayor James Mueller in the 2027 Democratic primary. Mueller has launched a reelection campaign, and the two previously faced each other in the 2019 primary.
Why it matters
The announcement sets up a rematch that could shape the South Bend mayoral race ahead of the 2027 primary. Residents of South Bend will have a choice between candidates who have already faced each other once before.
Critchlow's campaign kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Stockroom East, a venue upsized because of strong interest. The 2027 Democratic primary follows a 2019 primary in which the two men also faced each other.
The players
Jason Critchlow
Critchlow is a Portage Township Trustee who has previously run against James Mueller in a 2019 Democratic primary for South Bend mayor.
James Mueller
Mueller is the mayor of South Bend who has launched a reelection campaign and faced Critchlow in a 2019 Democratic primary.
The details
Critchlow's campaign moved its kickoff event to a larger venue because of the amount of interest. The event is scheduled for Sunday at 3:00 p.m. at Stockroom East, and Mueller has already launched his reelection campaign.
Timeline
2019: Critchlow and Mueller faced each other in a Democratic primary.
Nov. 12, 2026: Mueller launched his reelection campaign and Critchlow's challenge was reported.
Sunday: Critchlow's campaign kickoff event at Stockroom East, 3:00 p.m.
2027: Democratic primary for South Bend mayor.
Political Context
Critchlow's 2027 challenge is a rematch of the 2019 Democratic primary in which he and Mueller also faced each other. Both candidates now have a prior head-to-head contest to draw on as they campaign again for the same office.
South Bend voters will see a second contest between Mueller and Critchlow when the 2027 Democratic primary takes place. Residents who want to follow the race can track candidate announcements and campaign events as the primary approaches.
The takeaway
A rematch between familiar opponents means voters will weigh each candidate's record against their earlier campaign. Following candidate announcements and campaign events is the most direct way to track the 2027 race as it develops.
Further reading
For more on the local races shaping this contest, see Elections coverage for South Bend.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WVPE.
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