Sam O'Leary Announces Bid For Lakewood Mayor

LAKEWOOD, OH — Lakewood City Council President Sam O'Leary announced his bid for mayor on Thursday. Current Mayor Mike Summers said he would not seek another term during his state of the city speech.

“I’m running for Mayor because I believe in Lakewood and the possibility of our city’s future," O'Leary said. "By working together, we can build on the incredible progress our city has made by investing in our neighborhoods and critical services, welcoming and supporting all residents, embracing our unique identity and the core values that make Lakewood a truly special community. I’m proud of my eight-year record of service to Lakewood, and I’m confident I have the experience, ideas, and energy to continue working with our residents and businesses to move Lakewood forward.”

O'Leary is the second candidate to officially declare in the race to replace Summers. Fellow city councilperson Meghan George pulled signatures for her bid in late January. Other city officials are expected to announce their own candidacies soon. The election for Lakewood Mayor will be held in November.

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During his time on city council, O'Leary has championed several causes, including investments in the city's parks, modernization of the city's dispatch services, LGBTQ rives, and the banning of "conversion therapy" in Lakewood.

O'Leary is a third-generation Lakewood resident and currently represents Ward 2. He was unanimously elected Council President in 2016.

O'Leary is a graduate of Lakewood High School, George Washington University and Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.