2001 Toledo, Ohio mayoral election
The2001 Toledo, Ohio mayoral election took place on November 6, 2001, to elect the mayor ofToledo, Ohio . Incumbent MayorCarty Finkbeiner was term-limited and could not run for re-election to a second term, and instead explored a run for Governor in2002 .[ 1] Six candidates ran to succeed him, with two Democrats, State RepresentativeJack Ford and County Treasurer Ray Kest, emerging as the frontrunners.[ 2]
Turnout in the primary election, which took place on September 11, 2001, was negatively affected by theterrorist attacks taking place that day, with only 25 percent of voters turning out. Ford and Kest both received 44 percent of the vote, with Ford narrowly beating Kest by 41 votes for first place.[ 3] In the general election, Ford defeated Kest in a landslide, winning 61 percent of the vote and becoming the city's first Black mayor.[ 4]
Jack Ford , State Representative (Democratic)[ 5] Ray Kest, County Treasurer (Democratic)[ 6] Rick Grafing, bar owner (independent)[ 7] Armiya Muhammed, security company owner (independent)[ 8] James Harmon, math teacher (independent)[ 9] Opal Covey, former thrift shop owner (independent)[ 9] 2001 Toledo mayoral election results[ 11] Party Candidate Votes % Nonpartisan Jack Ford 47,831 60.55% Nonpartisan Ray Kest 31,163 39.45% Total votes 78,994 100.00%
^ Wenzel, Fritz (January 23, 1001)."Small war chest may hamper mayor" .The Blade .Toledo, Ohio . p. A6. RetrievedAugust 1, 2025 – viaNewspapers.com . ^ Mahr, Joe (September 8, 2001)."Mayor hopefuls offer optimism" .The Blade .Toledo, Ohio . p. A1. RetrievedAugust 1, 2025 – viaNewspapers.com . ^ Wenzel, Fritz (September 12, 2001)."Kest bests Ford in primary by 89 votes; both advance" .The Blade .Toledo, Ohio . p. B1. RetrievedAugust 1, 2025 – viaNewspapers.com . ^ Wenzel, Fritz (November 7, 2001)."Ford cruises, shocks Kest" .The Blade .Toledo, Ohio . p. A1. RetrievedAugust 1, 2025 – viaNewspapers.com . ^ Drew, James (May 20, 2001)."Ford jumps into Toledo mayoral fray" .The Blade .Toledo, Ohio . p. A1. RetrievedAugust 1, 2025 – viaNewspapers.com . ^ Mahr, Joe (December 13, 2000)."County treasurer opens his run for mayor" .The Blade .Toledo, Ohio . p. B1. RetrievedAugust 1, 2025 – viaNewspapers.com . ^ Wenzel, Fritz (July 12, 2001)."Ragtime Rick' Grafing files as candidate for Toledo mayor" .The Blade .Toledo, Ohio . p. B1. RetrievedAugust 1, 2025 – viaNewspapers.com . ^ "Business owner, 27, plans mayoral bid" .The Blade .Toledo, Ohio . March 31, 2001. p. B6. RetrievedAugust 1, 2025 – viaNewspapers.com .^a b Wenzel, Fritz (July 13, 2001)."Ford, Kest file election petitions" .The Blade .Toledo, Ohio . p. B2. RetrievedAugust 1, 2025 – viaNewspapers.com . ^ "SEPTEMBER 11, 2001 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION" . Lucas County Board of Elections. April 9, 2002. RetrievedJuly 26, 2025 .^ "NOVEMBER 6, 2001 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION" . Lucas County Board of Elections. April 8, 2002. RetrievedJuly 26, 2025 .
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