CLEVELAND — On Tuesday night, Justin Bibb declared victory in his bid for a second mayoral term, with early results showing him comfortably in the lead.
Bibb ran against Republican candidate Laverne Gore.
Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb greets supporters as election night festivities kick off pic.twitter.com/p1rEwuHBkz
— John Kosich (@KosichJohn) November 5, 2025
He won his first election in 2021 against opponent Kevin Kelley, who conceded moments before Bibb declared victory.
During his first term, Bibb fought for numerous changes across Cleveland, including those related to public safety.
His most recent effort in this was his discussion with Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday about continuing their partnership to reduce violent crime.
RELATED: DeWine, Bibb discuss continued partnership to reduce violent crime in Cleveland
During this year's State of the City address, Bibb said the city has made significant progress in public safety by raising police officer pay and recruiting new cadets.
Within the past year, Bibb has also fought to keep the Cleveland Browns in Cleveland, recently reaching a $100 million agreement with the Haslams Sports Group for lakefront development in exchange for support for the team's move of its stadium to Brook Park.
RELATED: Browns, Cleveland reach $100M settlement, paving the way for Brook Park stadium move
The Democratic Mayors Association issued the following statement following Bibb's apparent victory:
“The Democratic Mayors Association is thrilled to congratulate our President and newly re-elected Mayor Justin M. Bibb on an overwhelming victory. Mayor Bibb has spent four years delivering for Cleveland through steady leadership, a willingness to collaborate across the aisle and throughout communities, and results-driven leadership. Mayor Bibb’s mandate victory showed that when Democratic mayors focus on results — from public safety to affordable housing to economic growth — people respond.
“We look forward to supporting Mayor Bibb in the coming term to build on the progress he has already made: strengthening public safety, creating good-paying jobs, expanding affordable housing, and making sure every Clevelander has a fair shot.”
