CLEVELAND — The Cleveland mayoral election does not take place until late 2021, but those interested in the position are already beginning to make their moves, including community leader Justin Bibb.
Bibb, a Cleveland businessman who serves on the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority, Teach for America - Ohio, Destination Cleveland and LAND Studio Inc. boards, announced that he has raised over $180,000 since launching his mayoral bid just three months ago.
The mayoral hopeful has doubled contributions and is building momentum to run against the field, which has not been set yet and could include the current mayor.
Mayor Frank Jackson has not announced whether or not he’ll be running for four more years, but either way a bevy of candidates will be looking to take his place. Jackson has held the job longer than any other mayor at 15 years, with one more to go.
"This election is not about Mayor Frank Jackson, it's not about the past, it's not about the present. I believe it's about the future, and we have a short amount of time right now to make some important decisions about Cleveland and our region's future here," Bibb said.
Others exploring a run include former Cleveland mayor Dennis Kucinich, as well as a number of current and former council members.
The primary is September 28.
