Toledo, Ohio – In a closely watched mayoral primary, incumbent Wade Kapszukiewicz will face off against former city employee Roberto Torres in the November general election. The primary, held on May 6, saw Kapszukiewicz secure roughly 53% of the vote, while Torres earned just over 24%. Harold Harris, known locally as the “Sign Man,” garnered nearly 22% of the vote and did not make the cut for the general election.
The race for mayor has captured the attention of Toledo residents, with Kapszukiewicz looking to secure a second term in office. Torres, a former Toledo Public Schools board member, is positioning himself as a challenger with a fresh perspective on city governance. Despite his third-place finish, Harris’s campaign attracted a dedicated following, adding a unique dynamic to the primary race.
This year’s election also marks a historic milestone for Toledo politics. Voters approved a measure that allows Toledo mayors to serve up to three consecutive terms, paving the way for Kapszukiewicz to potentially seek another term if he wins in November.
However, voter turnout in the primary was notably low, with only 9.4% of eligible voters casting ballots. This low participation has raised questions about the level of civic engagement, as the city heads into the more decisive general election.
The November election promises to be a competitive one, with both Kapszukiewicz and Torres offering contrasting visions for the future of Toledo. Kapszukiewicz will need to build on his strong primary showing, while Torres will look to galvanize his supporters and secure a win. As Toledoans head to the polls later this year, the outcome of the mayoral race could shape the city’s political landscape for years to come.