Ward 3 race pits two-term incumbent against young newbie

Two-term incumbent Adam Hussain didn’t always plan to seek a third go-ahead from voters.

“I was hoping that, after two terms, I might be able to pivot to maybe an at-large position or a city board because I think it’s incredibly important to build up new leadership and bring new people in,” Hussain said. “But there’s so much work that we have almost done and at that goal line. I decided to run again because we just haven’t arrived yet.”

Unlike 2019, when he ran unopposed, Hussain faces a challenger in King Robertson, a 23-year old LCC cardiology student and Churchill Downs resident who decided to enter municipal politics after watching his mother, Nkenge Ayanna Robertson, run for office in 2022 as a Republican against Sarah Anthony for the District 21 state Senate seat. Anthony won with 60.3% of the vote.

Robertson

Robertson did not respond to interview requests, and his listed phone number was disconnected. He stated his issues with the current city government in an April 8 campaign announcement post on Facebook.

“Lansing needs improvement that can be seen. I’m tired of politicians creating promises they can never keep — many of them are currently in office. We need change and prosperity that works for everyone, not just ourselves,” Robertson wrote.

“My parents both stand for leadership, equality, and prosperity. I was taught all three,” he added, doubling down on those ideals as anchors of his approach to policy decisions.

Hussain, 42, is a Waverly Middle School teacher by day who was first elected in 2015. He served as the body’s vice president in 2020 and 2021 and as president in 2022. Hussain’s mother, Jody Washington, is a former 1st Ward representative who’s running at-large.

He launched his first campaign after serving for five years on the Lansing Park Board. In talks with other southside advocates at the time, Hussain said they were looking for one thing in a potential representative at City Hall: “who’s going to be that pugnacious advocate?”

During his tenure, Hussain believes he has been just that. He cited his work on facilitating repaving projects on South MLK Jr. Boulevard, South Waverly and West Jolly roads, and a “major road project” on West Holmes Road, as well as the implementation of a number of other southside advocacy organizations and initiatives, including the MLK Corridor Improvement Authority, Facade Improvement Program, the Southwest Action Group and most recently the new development strategy for the long-troubled Logan Square Plaza shopping center.

Hussain said he and Robertson have not met but said he’s “excited that a young guy like him threw his name in the hat and wants to help move his community forward.”