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Martin J. Sweeney Endorsed in Cuyahoga County Council Primary
The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com editorial board backs the incumbent for District 3 seat
Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:50am
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The editorial board of The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com has endorsed Martin J. Sweeney in the Democratic primary for the Cuyahoga County Council District 3 seat. Sweeney, a fixture of local politics, is facing challenges from local activists Anise Mayo and Stephanie K. Thomas, who seek to bring more attention to issues like health, equity, and homelessness in the county. The board cites Sweeney's experience and transparency in tackling key issues like the county's new jail and Justice Center as reasons for their endorsement.
Why it matters
The Cuyahoga County Council plays a crucial role in governing the region, and the District 3 seat represents a significant portion of Cleveland's West Side. The endorsement of the editorial board, which carries weight in the local political landscape, could sway voters in the Democratic primary and impact the outcome of the election.
The details
Martin J. Sweeney, 62, is seeking re-election to the Cuyahoga County Council District 3 seat, which he has held since 2021 after being appointed to the position. Prior to that, he served on the Cleveland City Council for 17 years, including a year as council president, and was a state representative until 2018. Sweeney is facing challenges from local activists Anise Mayo, 43, and Stephanie K. Thomas, 42, who are seeking to bring more attention to issues like health, equity, and homelessness in the county. Both Mayo and Thomas have personal stories of overcoming homelessness, but the editorial board believes Sweeney's experience and transparency in tackling key county issues make him the better choice for the seat.
- Sweeney was appointed to the Cuyahoga County Council District 3 seat in January 2021.
- Sweeney was unopposed for a full four-year term in 2022.
- The Democratic primary election for the Cuyahoga County Council District 3 seat will be held on May 5, 2026.
- Early voting for the primary election begins on April 7, 2026.
The players
Martin J. Sweeney
A 62-year-old incumbent Cuyahoga County Council member who previously served on the Cleveland City Council and as a state representative.
Anise Mayo
A 43-year-old local activist and registered nurse who is challenging Sweeney in the Democratic primary.
Stephanie K. Thomas
A 42-year-old local activist and architect who is also challenging Sweeney in the Democratic primary.
What they’re saying
“Sweeney, who says he will act transparently to tackle issues that include paying for a new jail, the fate of the aging Justice Center and conflicts over the county's legal representation.”
— Martin J. Sweeney, Cuyahoga County Council Incumbent
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This endorsement highlights the importance of experience and transparency in local government, as the editorial board believes Sweeney's long history of public service and commitment to addressing key county issues make him the best choice to represent District 3 on the Cuyahoga County Council.
