Rudolph M. Clay

Who was Rudolph M. Clay?

Rudolph M. "Rudy" Clay was an American Democratic politician. He served as the mayor of Gary, Indiana and member of the Indiana Senate from 1972 to 1976. He was elected by special election in 2006 following the resignation of Scott L. King, and again in the 2007 municipal election. Prior to becoming mayor, Clay served as a county commissioner and as the first African-American head of the Lake County Democratic Party.

In April 2011, shortly before the primary election, Clay announced that he had been diagnosed with cancer and would not seek reelection. He endorsed Karen Freeman-Wilson as his successor.