AKRON, Ohio — With incumbent Dan Horrigan declining to seek a third term, Akron voters are set to elect a new mayor for just the third time in the last 36 years.
Seven candidates are currently vying for the Democratic nomination, with no Republicans meeting the necessary requirements to run. As Akron already leans heavily Democratic to begin with, the winner of this Tuesday's primary is considered almost certain to win the November general election, barring a potential write-in campaign from another contender.
Here's what you need to know about the six men and one woman hoping to become Akron's next leader.
Four years following his election as Ward 8 city councilman, the young Malik has the backing of both the Akron Beacon Journal and Cleveland Plain Dealer editorial boards as he runs for mayor. He is also holding his own with when it comes to fundraising, raking in more than $144,000 this past quarter and actually keeping the most current cash on hand at just under $53,000.
Also an Akron native who went to Firestone High School, Malik graduated from Harvard Law and later worked for the local U.S. Attorney's Office before serving as Horrigan's assistant law director from 2016-18. On Council, he has been known for his hands-on presence in the community, part of his efforts at "creating a city hall that is more open, more responsive, and more collaborative."
With the slogan "Together for Akron," Malik's platform has emphasized seeking "proactive and effective models of policing" and attacking what he believes are the root causes of violent crime. He has also outlined plans for affordable housing and better health care while additionally promising to create "a full-time cabinet position focused on making equity and inclusion a priority in city government."
Currently deputy mayor for intergovernmental affairs, Sommerville received an early advantage by earning Horrigan's quick endorsement, with the outgoing mayor calling him "a champion of the people, always fighting for justice, equity, and accountability." He also has the support of former Mayors Don Plusquellic and Tom Sawyer as well as eight members of council, and boasts a fundraising edge with more than $181,000 raised since late January.
An Akron native and Buchtel High School graduate, Sommerville's political and activism career spans decades, having previously been president of the Akron NAACP, city council president, and city planner. Prior to that, he also followed three generations of family members as an employee at Goodyear before eventually opening a funeral home that remains in operation to this day.
Sommerville's campaign has focused on bridging divides between the community and police following the death of Jayland Walker, with the candidate promising to be "a champion for safer neighborhoods" while also allowing the city's new citizens' police oversight board to take shape. He is also leaning on his experience as a business owner and public official to push for economic growth and "a top-to-bottom analysis to modernize city services."
Sommerville is not the only family member involved in Akron politics: His daughter Margo represents Ward 3 in City Council, where she serves as the body's president.
Despite lagging in fundraising dollars, the Ward 5 Councilwoman Mosley has built a solid foundation of grassroots support, particularly in the aftermath of Jayland Walker's death. The Akron Public Schools and University of Akron alum has the endorsement of the Bernie Sanders-linked group Our Revolution, known for its efforts to elect progressive candidates.
Formerly an Akron Municipal Court bailiff, Mosley entered politics with her election to Council in 2013, and since then touts "over $500 million in economic development" for neighborhoods such as East Akron. She also made headlines as former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich's running mate during his 2018 run for Ohio governor, although the ticket lost the Democratic primary by almost 40 points.
On the issues, Mosley seeks to create specific annual community budgets for all 10 wards and has proposed promoting part-time city employees with at least 10 years of experience to full time status. Notably, she also wants to place term limits on the mayor's office that would prevent anyone from holding the position more than 16 consecutive years (Don Plusquellic previously served 28).
Another longtime Akron resident, Wilhite brings a wealth of experience that includes six years as executive director of the Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority (now ReWorks), three years on the Board of Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority, and a stint as deputy mayor for administration under Don Plusquellic, where he pushed to raise the city's income tax to benefit all public schools. He now serves as a Summit County councilman for District 4 as chair of the Public Safety Committee, and previously served as president of the legislature.
Wilhite wants to create "safe neighborhoods" through support of the oversight board and community initiatives such as Akron Police Explorers and the police and fire engagement fund. In addition, his plans for an "age-friendly Akron" include better transportation, social participation, and services for senior citizens.
Greer spent almost six years in the Horrigan administration, spearheading the Great Streets Akron initiative before becoming the city's small business program manager. However, the Beacon Journal reports he was forced to resign this past January, right before he announced his run for mayor.
A pianist by trade who has been involved in several community programs, Greer has preached "change" in the city, including better support for small businesses and renovations for various neighborhoods. He has also called for "systemic change and reform in our law enforcement" in the wake of Jayland Walker's death.
A retail manager at a local cellphone store, Schaffer has campaigned as an outsider who calls his opponents "out of touch with the majority of Akron." he graduated from Akron with a political science and criminal justice degree, and "believes a government for and by the people means that its time to elect a working class person."
Among his most notable proposals? Legalizing marijuana and using the tax proceeds to give first responders a raise, part of his police reform plan that also includes mental health and de-escalation training. He also wants to raise investments in the city's minority neighborhoods and create a special mental health unit within EMS.
Another "outsider" candidate is Keith Mills, an Akron native and former APS substitute teacher who is currently employed by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. He cites "transparency and communication" as the biggest issues facing the city today, and his platform calls for better de-escalation training and community outreach initiatives for police officers as well as "diversifying the economy to make sure that 1 or 2 singular events do not set us as a city back a great deal."
What do the polls say?
According to a recent Akron Decides survey conducted by the University of Akron, the Beacon Journal, and Ideastream, Malik (18.1%), Sommerville (17%), and Mosley (15.2%) are in a statistical tie at the top, with Wilhite (6%), Schaffer (5.1%), Greer (3.4%), and Mills (2.5%) rounding out the list. However, roughly 33% of residents say they are still undecided, and a strong plurality of those individuals say they are "leaning" towards Mosley.
Will there be a general election opponent?
Former WNIR radio host Jim Isabella had filed to run as a Republican, but the Summit County Board of Elections rejected his bid after he failed to garner enough signatures. It is still possible a write-in candidate could enter the race, with the deadline for such an attempt being Aug. 28.