Rider is the first candidate to announce a run for mayor in what could be a crowded race ahead of the 2023 primary election in May.
Kevin “Woody” Rider, an at-large council member, announced in a news release Sept. 20, 2022, he planned to run for the city’s top job. Rider“Throughout my professional and public service career, I’ve always been motivated by serving people,” Rider said in a news release. “Running for Mayor is a natural next step for me. I love the city of Carmel. And, for me, serving as Mayor is all about solving challenges, proactively planning, and continuing to lead innovation in our city.
Rider has served on the Carmel City Council since 2008. In addition to his role on council, he has served on the Carmel Plan Commission and with his wife runs two Carmel restaurants: