CLEVELAND — Justin Bibb just picked up another massive endorsement in his bid to become Cleveland's next mayor.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown threw his support behind Bibb with a Tuesday tweet. Ohio's only statewide elected Democrat said Bibb "has the character, experience, and courage to deliver results."
"As mayor, he will fight every day for the people who make our city work," Brown added. "Proud to call Justin a #CanaryCandidate."
Just 34 years old with no prior political experience, the business and nonprofit executive Bibb was considered by some to be a longshot in the mayoral race, but quickly gained traction with a visible campaign staff and several high-profile endorsements, including former mayors Michael R. White and Jane L. Campbell. He went on to place first in last month's nonpartisan primary with 27% of the vote and will face City Council President Kevin Kelley in the November general election.
Bibb later responded to Brown with a tweet of his own, saying he was "honored" to received the senator's backing.
The two remaining candidates beat out five others to make the general election, and just last week Councilman Basheer Jones endorsed Kelley while former Councilman Zack Reed threw his support behind Bibb. In addition, Kelley also has the backing of current Mayor Frank G. Jackson, who is retiring after 16 years in office.
This is considered Cleveland's first competitive mayoral election since 2005, when Jackson ousted Campbell for the position. Voters will go to the polls on Nov. 2.