INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis City-County Councilor Jesse Brown was kicked out of the Democratic Caucus on Monday.

Brown shared the news to his X account saying, “Just got expelled from the Democratic caucus, lmao.”

In response to a post asking for the caucus’s reasoning, he said, “They didn’t offer any. I maintain it’s because I favor transparency and many of my peers do not.”

The Indianapolis City-County Council Democratic Caucus responded with a statement.

“The Democratic Caucus of the Indianapolis City-County Council is committed to working together as a team and serving the people of our city with integrity, collaboration, and a shared vision for progress. For a caucus to be successful, it must rely on trust, factual discourse, and a commitment to constructive teamwork.

“When any member focuses on falsehoods, makes inappropriate accusations, and undermines the collective benefit of our shared work, their approach does not align with the principles of the caucus. After careful consideration, we have determined that it is in the best interest of the caucus—and the constituents we serve—for this individual to continue acting as an independent council member rather than part of our caucus.

“We will remain focused on delivering results for Indianapolis and uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and collaboration in our leadership.”

Brown shared a more in-depth explanation in a newsletter.

“Friends and constituents,

“Tonight, thirteen of my Democratic colleagues voted to expel me from the Democratic Caucus of the Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council. Public business should be conducted in public, rather than behind closed doors. My commitment to this principle has often put me at odds with my colleagues, including this last week, when I called for fully-funded, fully-public education, against the wishes of my Council colleagues and their Republican conspirators. My call-out of so-called Democrats Maggie Lewis, Carlos Perkins, and Leroy Robinson’s subterfuge was the straw that finally broke the camel’s back. Unlike some of my colleagues, I don’t hide my politics—not because of who I am, but because of who you are. Politics behind closed doors only works for those who can afford entry. My constituents deserve a city that works for them, not just the capitalists and developers. My constituents deserve fully funded, fully public education, not a scammy grab bag of charter school ‘choices.’ My constituents deserve an elected official who will fight for their interests—not someone who serves big-money donors and washed-up party bosses. I will be fighting this decision, as it disenfranchises the voters of District 13, who saw fit to elect me, and I would welcome any and all support in that fight.

“In love and solidarity,

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“Jesse”