Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson Faces Primary Election Challenge Today

CLEVELAND, OH — It’s primary election day in the city as voters will take the first step in deciding who will be mayor and their city ward representatives for the next four years. Incumbent Frank Jackson is running for his fourth term, and is expected to win a spot on the Nov. 7 election ballot.

Jackson, though, is facing challenges from Councilmen Zack Reed and Jeff Johnson, one of whom is likely to get the second of two spots on the non-partisan November election. In an election preview story by Cleveland.com, longtime councilman Reed pitched himself as a candidate who would bring greater safety in neighborhoods. Meanwhile, Johnson noted that the city should put its attention back on the city's neighborhoods and not as much on downtown, as it has under Jackson's leadership.

Jackson, meanwhile, noted that his top rivals for City Hall has the experience and knows the reality of running a major U.S. city. (To stay up to date on local stories, subscribe to the Patch Cleveland newsletter. As news breaks and the story develops, you will be the first to receive updates from Patch.)

Also running for mayor of Cleveland are former East Cleveland Mayor Eric Brewer, restaurateur Brandon Chrostowski, former non-profit executive Robert Kilo, small business owner Tony Madalone, state Rep. Bill Patmon and activist Dyrone Smith.

There are also several primary races in individual wards across Cleveland. The cities of Bay Village, East Cleveland, Maple Heights, North Olmsted and Solon also have primary elections today.

To find out more about the races and where to vote, check the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections web site. Polls for the election will remain open until 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

File photo by the Associated Press