We’ve been hearing a lot about Chicago’s mayoral candidates: who’s going to run and challenges to certain candidate’s bid for mayor.

But one of the more interesting races for mayor isn’t even Chicago but just across Lake Michigan from us in Gary, Indiana. Several candidates have come forward to throw their hat in the ring to lead Northwest Indiana’s largest city. And even though the primary isn’t for another five months there’s excitement in the air.

WBEZ’s Northwest Indiana reporter Michael Puenter spoke with WBEZ’s Melba Lara about the race.