About Jon
H. Jonathon Costas is the current mayor of Valparaiso, Indiana, member of the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, elder law attorney, and small business owner. He was elected mayor as a Republican in 2003 after a high-profile campaign that defeated a 20-year incumbent Democrat.
Costas set a goal of making Valparaiso “one of the most progressive and vibrant cities in the entire Midwest.” In his first term as mayor, Costas' accomplishments include obtaining $20M of state and federal grants for infrastructure improvements, passing a restaurant smoking ban, the redevelopment of County Seat Plaza and the city's "Eastgate" area, creation of a public transportation system, and expansion of the city by 25% through a well managed and accepted annexation.
A 1975 graduate of Valparaiso High School, Jon received his B.A. from St. Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Indiana, and his law degree with high distinction from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1989. Mr. Costas is an attorney with Burke, Costanza, and Cuppy LLP, and specializes in the field of Elder Law, having obtained his certification in elder law from the National Law Foundation. He is also an adjunct professor at Valparaiso Law School.
A former city council member at large, Mr. Costas has been an energetic community leader and has served on numerous boards and community efforts.
Mayor Costas enjoys a variety of activities including running, biking, reading, guitar playing, singing, speaking and competing in triathlons. Jon and his wife, Sharon (shown above), their four children, Ashley, Evan, Hayley, and Tyler, and two dogs, Lainie and Wrigley, live on Valparaiso's north side.
What others are saying about Jon Costas:
New mayors have been elected in Crown Point, Hobart, Lake Station, Portage and LaPorte. They would do well to look to Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas’ example for guidance.
— NW Indiana Times, January 1, 2008
I think having someone who is a successful, proven vote-getter in Northwest Indiana on the ticket is very helpful to Republicans. Again, the most important thing is to re-elect the governor. I'm confident Jon will make a terrific attorney general.
— Kyle Hupfer, former director of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources under Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.
My main concern is that we have a strong leader who can effectively represent the interests of the people of Indiana. Because of this, I would support his candidacy 100 percent.
— Todd Rokita, Indiana Secretary of State.
