Cleveland Elections See Significant Spending in 2025 Races

Cleveland’s municipal elections concluded with both winners and losers spending considerable amounts to secure their positions. In the mayoral race, incumbent Justin Bibb successfully defeated challenger Laverne Gore, while 11 out of 15 City Council seats were contested. Reports indicate that some council races saw expenditures exceeding $100,000, and nearly $1 million was allocated during the mayoral contest.

In this election cycle, several candidates ran unopposed. Blaine Griffin (Ward 6), Kevin Bishop (Ward 2), Jasmin Santana (Ward 14), and newcomer Nikki Hudson (Ward 11) faced no challengers. Brian Kazy and Charles Slife only encountered write-in candidates. All candidates were mandated to report their fundraising activities to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

Financial Breakdown of the Mayoral Race

In the race for mayor, Gore reported raising $3,000 from various donors and contributed an additional $10,000 from her own funds, ultimately ending her campaign with $1,100 remaining. In stark contrast, Bibb entered the election year with $642,000 on hand, raised another $517,000, and spent $989,000, outpacing Gore’s spending by a remarkable 899:1 ratio. Not all funds were directed towards Bibb’s reelection; records reveal that $100,000 was donated to a nonprofit organization named “It’s the Right Thing to Do,” which promotes a consolidation plan for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Support from Political Action Committees

The electoral landscape was influenced by two notable political action committees (PACs). The Council Leadership Fund, which primarily supported incumbents, commenced the year with $196,300 and raised an additional $200,300, resulting in expenditures of $245,000. The A Better Cleveland for All PAC, which backed several progressive candidates, began the year with $25,700, raised $6,500 throughout the year, and spent $18,800.

Council members also reported significant fundraising efforts. For instance, Joe Jones (Ward 1) began the year with $28,200, raised $47,850, and spent $72,700, ultimately securing victory with 63% of the vote. Notably, Juanita Brent, a state representative, has yet to submit campaign finance reports.

In Ward 3, Deborah Gray started with $6,500, raised $7,600, and spent $9,300, winning with an impressive 80% of the vote. Her opponent, Eric Stubbs, raised only $275 and did not file a post-election report.

For Ward 4, Kris Harsh began with $22,800, raised $25,900, and spent $12,900, winning with 70% of the vote against Rehan Waheed, who raised $21,200 and spent $19,100.

In Ward 5, Richard Starr raised $113,300 and spent $126,000, winning with 65% of the vote. His opponent, former council member Rebecca Maurer, began with $44,400, raised an additional $88,000, and spent $131,900.

Other Notable Races and Outcomes

Newly elected Austin Davis in Ward 7 raised $81,300 and spent $69,600, winning with 50% of the vote. His opponent, Mohammad Faraj, raised $91,100 and spent $82,000.

In Ward 8, Stephanie Howse-Jones raised $77,800 and spent $76,200, winning with 75% of the vote against Charlotte Perkins, who raised $5,800 and spent $1,500.

Ward 9’s Kevin Conwell started with $61,300, raised $23,700, and spent $28,200, achieving victory with 76%. Alana Belle, who raised $17,100 and spent $15,100, has not filed a post-election report.

In Ward 10, Mike Polensek began with $105,700, raised $68,500, and spent $63,100, winning with 67%. His former opponent, Anthony Hairston, had $29,000 on hand, raised $65,100, and spent $94,200.

Finally, in Ward 12, newly elected Tanmay Shah raised $71,500 and spent $58,400, winning by a narrow margin of just nine votes. Former council member Danny Kelly started with $1,600, raised $109,000, and spent $83,900, ultimately losing his bid for reelection.

The substantial spending in Cleveland’s elections highlights both the competitive nature of local politics and the importance of financial backing in securing electoral victories.