WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, Ohio — The race for Cuyahoga County Executive just got a little bit more crowded, with longtime Warrensville Heights Mayor Brad Sellers officially throwing his hat in the ring.
The Democrat and former basketball star told City Councilmembers and 3News of his plans to enter the race Tuesday night. The 59-year-old then launched his campaign at a virtual press conference Wednesday afternoon as he outlined his goals and took questions from reporters.
"I'm running for county executive for the same reason I came back and for the same reason I ran for mayor: To make important things happen for Cuyahoga County," Sellers said. "Cuyahoga County residents want, need, and deserve more good things happening for them and should expect a county government that can get the job done."
A Warrensville Heights native, Sellers' basketball talents made him a household name and earned him a scholarship to Wisconsin before he eventually transferred to Ohio State. In two years with the Buckeyes, Sellers was an All-Big Ten selection and averaged 17.8 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, leading the team to an NCAA Tournament appearance in 1985 and an NIT championship in '86.
Sellers went on to be a first-round draft pick and played six seasons in the NBA, including three with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Following his retirement, he returned home to become Director of Economic Development in Warrensville Heights, and touts creating more than 3,000 jobs during his 11-year tenure.
In 2011, Sellers was elected mayor, winning two more elections in the time since. During his decade-long term, he has emphasized attempted improvements in community development, education, and affordable housing.
"We've been getting the job done in Warrensville Heights, even though many people said we couldn't," he said Wednesday. "What Warrensville Heights is is a solid community made up of real people with real hopes and real challenges, people just trying to live out the American dream just like everyone else."
Sellers gets in the race just as Maple Heights Mayor Annette Blackwell dropped out, less than one month after entering the race. At the moment, Sellers will face former University Circle Inc. President Chris Ronayne in the Democratic primary this coming May, with former Cuyahoga County Commissioner Lee Weingart also campaigning as a Republican.
"I consider Chris a friend," Sellers said of his Democratic opponent. "How I grew up, competition is not a bad thing. It only makes you better, right? It proves who can get it done and proves who can't get it done."
Current County Executive Armond Budish announced in November he will not seek a third term, citing a desire to spend more time with his family.
