‘People want to see change’: Democrats deepen hold on Toledo government after election

TOLEDO, Ohio — Democrats continue to dominate Toledo city government following Tuesday’s election, further cementing the city’s reputation as a Democratic stronghold.

All five incumbents on city council — four Democrats and one Independent — were re-elected, along with one new Democrat. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, also a Democrat, secured a third term in office.

The results mean 11 of the city’s 12 council seats are now held by Democrats, with one Independent rounding out the group. Council President Vanice Williams said the party’s success reflects a new generation of civic-minded voters.

“I credit it going back to the Obama era,” Williams said. “People want to see change, and when they want change, they get out and let their voices be heard.”

Toledo has not elected a Republican mayor since Donna Owens in 1983. Republican representation on city council has also dwindled over the last several decades.

This year, former Republican councilman Tom Waniewski fell just about 400 votes short of winning a seat. While he said he’s proud of how the election was run, he believes his party needs to do more to connect with voters.

“We only approach voters a week or three days before an election, and we can’t do that,” Waniewski said. “We have to brand ourselves — put that brand out there for people to see and challenge us on.”

With a largely one-party government, some have raised concerns about maintaining checks and balances. Waniewski said that differing opinions can be healthy for policymaking.

“You can agree to disagree,” he said. “But when you argue from facts, that balance matters — and that’s been missing a little bit.”

Williams said she keeps her focus on “people over politics,” adding that council members can disagree respectfully while still working toward common goals.

Councilman Adam Martinez echoed that sentiment, saying members are independently elected and not beholden to the mayor.

“We work very closely with Mayor Wade,” Martinez said, “but we don’t work for Mayor Wade.”