McCabe Wins Re-Election as Cleveland Mayor

Incumbent Don McCabe secures another term while two councilors are also returned to City Council in Tuesday's election.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in City Hall

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a simplified civic building facade with a flag silhouette above it against a pale grey sky. — Cleveland Mayor Don McCabe won re-election on Tuesday with 54.14% of the vote, while councilors Sarah McCabe and Anne Hiller also secured City Council seats. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Cleveland Mayor Don McCabe was re-elected on Tuesday, receiving 54.14% of the votes cast. Councilors Sarah McCabe and Anne Hiller also won re-election to City Council.

Why it matters

The results keep the current mayor in office and return two sitting councilors to the council for the next term. Voters in Cleveland decided both the executive and legislative races in the same election.

In the mayoral contest McCabe won 170 votes, or 54.14%, against Nancy Gens's 110 votes (35%) and Elizabeth G. Cap's 29 votes (about 9%). In the three-way council race for two seats, Sarah McCabe led with 196 votes (38.58%), while Anne Hiller edged Abby Mahler 152 to 138.

The players

Don McCabe

Mayor of Cleveland, who won re-election in the city's mayoral race.

Sarah McCabe

Cleveland City Councilor who won a plurality in the City Council vote.

Anne Hiller

Cleveland City Councilor who won re-election to City Council.

The details

Two City Council seats were contested in a three-way race, and the mayoral race featured challengers Nancy Gens and Elizabeth G. Cap against McCabe. The vote tallies show McCabe well ahead in the executive contest and Sarah McCabe finishing first among council candidates.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026: Cleveland mayoral and City Council election held.

Political Context

The result extends Don McCabe's tenure as mayor and keeps the executive and council majorities tied to his prior electoral mandate. The three-way council race shows the competitive field that will shape the next term's legislative agenda.

The outcome determines who will govern Cleveland for the next term, affecting city policy decisions on budgets and services. Residents' council representation is also set for the coming term.

The takeaway

Local election results shape city governance for years, so following council decisions is a practical way to stay informed about Cleveland's direction.