Rudy Clay (politician)

Rudy Clay
19th Mayor of Gary, Indiana
In office April 7, 2006 – January 1, 2012
Preceded by	Dozier Allen Jr.
Succeeded by	Karen Freeman-Wilson
Member of the Lake County, Indiana Commission from the 1st district
In office December 12, 1986 – April 7, 2006
Preceded by	N. Atterson Spann Jr.
Succeeded by	Roosevelt Allen Jr.
Lake County, Indiana Recorder
In office January 1, 1985[1] – 1987
Preceded by	William Bielski Jr.
Succeeded by	Richard Blastick
Member of the Lake County, Indiana Council from the 4th district
In office 1978 – December 30, 1984
Preceded by	Frank Perry
Member of the Indiana Senate from the 3rd district
In office 1973–1977
Preceded by	John Franklin Shawley
Succeeded by	Katie Hall
Personal details
Born	(1935-07-16)July 16, 1935 Hillsboro, Alabama, U.S.
Died	June 4, 2013(2013-06-04) (aged 77) Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Christine Swan
Children	1
Military service
Branch/service	United States Army
Years of service	1959–1961

Rudolph M. Clay Sr. (July 16, 1935 – June 4, 2013) was an American activist and politician who was active in Indiana politics as a member of the Democratic Party. Clay was first active in politics with his election to the Indiana Senate from the 3rd district, then served in local politics in Lake County, Indiana, and served as the 19th Mayor of Gary, Indiana. He was the first black person elected to the state senate from Lake County and the first black person elected countywide in Lake County.

Clay was born in Hillsboro, Alabama, and raised by his aunts following the death of his mother. He was educated at Roosevelt High School and Indiana University Bloomington. He served in the United States Army for two years as a Chaplain Assistant. He was active in the Civil rights movement, worked for a civil rights organization in Gary, Indiana, and was awarded by the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

Clay entered electoral politics with his election to the state senate where he served one term before he was defeated in the Democratic primary by Representative Katie Hall. Following his tenure in the state senate he served as a councilor, recorder, and commissioner in Lake County. He survived an assassination attempt after his election to the county commission. He was elected as mayor of Gary following the resignation of Mayor Scott L. King and served until 2012. He died in 2013.