CLEVELAND — Cleveland City Council will continue to be led by Blaine Griffin after he was recommended to serve another term as president during a caucus of newly-elected council members on Friday.

Griffin, who was nominated by Ward 14 Councilwoman Jasmin Santana and Ward 15 Councilman Charles Slife, will have his formal election during council's Jan. 5, 2026 meeting after the swearing-in of all of the council member-elects. He received 15 votes for reelection on Friday, with one abstention.

Friday's caucus came amid the race for Ward 12 still being too close to call. With all precincts reporting Tuesday night, challenger Tammy Shah was ahead of incumbent Danny Kelly 50.12%-49.88% — a margin of just seven votes. More absentee ballots will likely have to be counted, but under Ohio law,

See Full Page