CLEVELAND — In a video released on Monday, Ohio State Senator Sandra Williams announced that she is entering the 2021 Cleveland mayoral race.
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"I see a city of opportunity where economic, racial, and gender inequality is extinguished, where a good education is within reach of every student; and where fear and crime have plummeted," Williams said in a statement on her campaign's official website. "And I can’t wait to get started on bringing real change needed to make that vision a reality."
A native of East Cleveland, Williams has served as a state senator representing Ohio's 21st district since 2015. Prior to her time in the Senate, she represented Ohio's 11th district in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2007-2015.
You can watch Williams' announcement video below
In announcing her intentions to run for mayor, Williams -- a Democrat -- joins a crowded field of candidates that already includes Cleveland City council president Kevin Kelley, former city councillor and 2017 mayoral candidate Zack Reed, nonprofit executive Justin Bibb, West Park attorney Ross DiBello, Cuyahoga County Republican Party committee member and 2017 mayor candidate Landry M. Simmons Jr., Michael J. Chal, Arthur O. Kostendt, Keyshawn Dwayne Varnado, Anthony Lee Wilson and Latorya Jean Witcher.
Additionally, former Cleveland Mayor and U.S. Representative Dennis Kucinich told 3News' Mark Naymik last November that he is "seriously" considering a run, while Cleveland's current mayor, Frank Jackson, has been linked to -- but has yet to announce plans for -- a run for what would be his fifth term.