Mishawaka Councilman Tony Hazen has formally announces his intent to run for the soon to be vacated St. Joseph County Commission seat held by Deborah Fleming in the May 2024 primary.

Fleming recently announced that she’ll retire from her position on Jan. 31 and she’s giving Hazen her full endorsement and support to serve out the end of her tenure through an upcoming caucus. He also has the backing of several other local, state and congressional lawmakers from the area.

Hazen was first elected to the Mishawaka Council in 2019 and recently re-elected in 2023 has a background in law enforcement and says he’s make public safety as a cornerstone of his platform.

Hazen’s roots in St. Joseph County also run deep as a local business owner for more than 40 years.