I am Rachel Tomas Morgan, Democratic, running for re-election as an At-Large Member on South Bend’s Common Council. It’s an exciting time to live and work in South Bend, and it’s a defining moment for our city.

Since taking office in 2020, I have brought a fresh perspective to the Council and a new face to the St. Joseph County Democratic Party. In my first term, I contributed my energy to building a vibrant, welcoming city that offers opportunities for everyone.

For 31 years I have made South Bend my home. My husband, Pete Morgan, and I have 

raised our children on the Near West Side. As an administrator and educator, I devoted 26 years in higher education, teaching courses on global poverty and working to improve communities around the world. I want to focus my time and attention on doing that work here in South Bend.  

BOLD: With visionary leadership and economic investment, we can build upon South 

Bend’s momentum, continuing the city’s resurgence and creating new opportunities for all. 

To maintain our forward movement, we must continue to attract new businesses, residents and talent while providing opportunities for our children and for legacy families to thrive. Let’s reclaim South Bend as a vibrant global city committed to its people and the planet.

FAIR: In order to make South Bend vibrant and inclusive, people should have agency to determine how policies can support and enhance their neighborhoods and their lives. 

Born in the Philippines, I came to the U.S. as a small child with my mother as we followed my father who had arrived with $25 to his name. We were successful immigrants because Americans welcomed us, believed in us, and supported us. That’s the vision of community I will continue to fight for in South Bend. I will work to see that community members’ priorities are reflected in the policies of city government. I will work to bring people together across divisions so South Bend can be a model for civil discourse and a place of opportunity for all.

FOCUSED: A public servant serves the public best when her service is efficient, transparent, and collaborative.  Drawing from my professional experience as an academic-practitioner, I believe in data-driven, evidence-based approaches to decision-making and I am committed to seeking input from all stakeholders. I am also committed to ensuring that the relationships among the Council and with the Mayor’s Office are rooted mutual respect and collaboration for the benefit of the community.

The people of South Bend have a bold vision for what our city can be. We cannot stop reaching for it now. I believe in our city and in ourselves. I am seeking your support because together we can make South Bend a place where everyone can thrive.