COMMUNIY FIRST. VALPO VALUES.
MEET JESSE HARPER
ROOTED IN VALPO
Jesse Harper was born and raised in Center Township, just a short walk from Kirkhof Park. That park wasn’t just green space, it was a backyard for Jesse, his siblings, and the neighborhood kids. It's where he first learned about community, fairness, and responsibility. Those early lessons stuck with him.
After graduating from Valparaiso High School, Jesse earned a B.S. in Political Science from California State University Northridge. He returned home to earn his law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law, where he was part of the Honors Program. Today, he practices law alongside his father and brothers at Harper & Harper, and serves as Center Township Trustee, a role he’s held since first being elected in 2018.
For Jesse, public service isn’t a talking point. It’s personal. It’s local. It’s a way of life.
LEADERSHIP YOU CAN SEE AND FEEL
As Township Trustee, Jesse has helped prevent evictions, connect families with emergency assistance, and ensure seniors aren’t left behind. He’s built trust the old-fashioned way; by showing up, listening, and doing the work. He’s not afraid to sit at the kitchen table with someone in crisis, or to challenge a process that isn’t serving the people it should.
Jesse understands how systems work. More importantly, he knows when they aren’t working for regular people. That’s why he’s earned a reputation for fairness, empathy, and accountability in public office.
VALPO VALUES. THOUGHFUL GROWTH
Valparaiso is growing. But the question isn’t if we grow, it’s how. Jesse believes growth should be thoughtful, not rushed. It should reflect the people who already live here, not just those looking to profit from it.
AS MAYOR, JESSE WILL STRENGTHEN VALPARAISO FROM THE GROUND UP, PRIORITIZING REAL INVESTMENT IN NEIGHBORHOODS OVER FLASHY PROJECTS. HE'LL FIGHT FOR SMART INFASTRUCTURE, SAFER STREETS, AND CITY SERVICES THAT WORK FOR EVERYONE, ENSURING THAT SENIORS AND WORKING FAMILIES CAN AFFOD TO LIVE AND THRIVE HERE.
This campaign isn’t about slogans or sweeping promises. It’s about real plans, rooted in Valpo values.
A NEIGHBOR WHO NEVER LEFT
Jesse is more than a public servant, he’s part of the civic fabric of Valpo. A longtime member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church and the Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis Club, Jesse also serves on the board of the Center Township Foundation. He’s taught continuing legal education courses to fellow attorneys, mentored young professionals, and stayed engaged in the day-to-day life of the community.
WHY HE'S RUNNING
Jesse is exploring a campaign for mayor because he believes leadership starts with listening and ends with action. He’s seen what happens when decisions are made without the community, behind closed doors. He knows Valpo deserves better.
He’s running because he wants to protect what makes Valpo special while planning responsibly for its future. Because families shouldn’t have to move away because they can't afford to live here. Because city government should work for everyone, not just a few.
This isn’t a campaign built on ego. It’s built on trust. It’s built on work. And it’s built on the belief that real leadership still matters.