Entrepreneur, activist running for mayor of Youngstown

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) — A community activist and entrepreneur wants to be the next mayor of the city of Youngstown.

Derrick McDowell officially kicked off his campaign Tuesday at the home of the Youngstown Flea which he founded.

The 44-year-old was born and raised in Youngstown. After spending time at YSU, he worked for AT&T and then started consulting work.

For the past nine years, he has poured himself into the Youngstown Flea. He believes now it's time to take the next step and wants to help the city reclaim its identity.

"In leadership, when you talk about it, one of the most difficult people to lead is yourself and I've been doing that and entrepreneurship and independent consulting for years, maintaining my own self-accountability, maintaining character and transparency, and truth and love to this community," McDowell said.

McDowell has about a year to campaign. The next mayoral election happens on Nov. 4, 2025.

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