CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio — Cleveland Heights voters chose the second directly elected mayor in the city's history in Tuesday night, with Councilman Jim Petras emerging victorious over Council Vice President Davida Russell.

Petras will replace current Interim Mayor Tony Cuda, who ascended to the job temporarily from his previous role as council president after voters recalled the embattled Kahlil Seren . Cuda will cede the office on Jan. 1, 2026, and return to Council; he was reelected Tuesday night to one of its four open at-large seats.

Petras released the following statement upon being declared the winner:

"Thank you, Cleveland Heights. Your trust means so much to me.

"This election has never been about me. It's is about our entire community choosing a better, brighter path forwar

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