FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Contact: press@runforsomething.net
Run for Something Candidates Face Key Primaries in Ohio and Connecticut
NEW YORK, NY – As voters head to the polls today in Ohio and Connecticut, Run for Something is proud to spotlight our slate of endorsed candidates who are committed to progressive values and community-focused leadership. From financial positions to city councils, these young leaders are the new generation of public servants that Run for Something has been fighting for: young, diverse, dedicated, and deeply rooted in the neighborhoods they seek to serve.
“These candidates are the future of local leadership,” said Amanda Litman, President and co-founder of Run for Something. “They’re not waiting for their turn. They are showing up to serve and fight for their communities. We are proud to support them as they challenge the status quo and drive real change from the ground up.”
OHIO:
Rebecca Maurer, Cleveland City Council, Ward 5 (incumbent)
A lawyer and longtime community activist who got her start in politics fighting for a law that would protect Cleveland’s children from lead poisoning, Maurer has been a fierce advocate for transparency and accountability in local government since taking office.
Mohammad Faraj, Cleveland City Council, Ward 7
A seasoned community organizer with an extensive background in law and compliance, Mohammed is committed to making city services more accessible, strengthening public safety, and championing the growth ofsustainable small businesses.
Alana Belle, Cleveland City Council, Ward 9
An artist, educator, and advocate, Alana is focused on ending housing and food insecurity, creating new maintenance and resource distribution systems, and making health and reproductive services accessible for all residents.
Tanmay Shah, Cleveland City Council, Ward 12
A union organizer, lawyer, and truck driver, Tanmay has lived in Northeast Ohio for over 15 years. He is fighting for every single Clevelander to have affordable housing, affordable groceries, and reliable city services.
Keegan Radeff, North Olmsted Director of Finance
With over a decade of experience in public service–including time in the Air Guard and working as a federal employee–Keegan is running to encourage public participation in local governance, maintain fiscal responsibility, and ensure residents receive high-quality service from their investment in the city.
CONNECTICUT:
Caroline Tanbee Smith, New Haven Board of Alders, Ward 9 (incumbent)
Smith will continue bringing people together to tackle the challenges the city faces head-on and imagine a future for New Haven that is worth fighting for: one where every single neighbor can live a life of safety, opportunity, and purpose.
Run for Something is building the next generation of political leadership—one down-ballot race at a time. In the past 10 months, more than 67,000 prospective candidates have signed up–more than during the entire first four years of the Trump presidency. That surge brings the organization’s total pipeline to over 230,000 future leaders, cementing Run for Something as the backbone of the progressive candidate support infrastructure nationwide.
###
Run for Something (RFS) recruits and supports young progressive candidates for down-ballot offices. Since its founding, RFS has helped elect nearly 1,500 candidates across the country, including 18 candidates in red-to-blue seats in the 2024 election cycle. Today, RFS has the largest database of any other Democratic organization, with over 67,000 people reaching out since November with interest in running for office.