CLEVELAND — Clevelanders have a major decision to make Tuesday as voters cast their ballots in the mayoral primary.

The race is coming down to the wire for those trying to be Cleveland’s next mayor, and according to professor of political science at Kent State University, Mark Cassell, it could be anyone’s guess as to who wins. 

“So everything that we’re doing, including what I’m saying, is more or less a guess,” Cassell said. “So we’re sort of guesstimating on where folks are. And the guesstimates are that no one candidate is out in front. In fact, you got most candidates that all draw kind of between 15-17% and the likely winner may not cross 20%.” 

The race features several candidates with years of political experience, like Cleveland City Council President Kevin Kelley, state Sen. Sandra Williams, former councilman Zack Reed and former mayor Dennis Kucinich. 

“You can sort of point to accomplishments, you can point to a record. On the other hand, it can be a negative again, your opponents can also point to that record and point to the flaws,” said Cassell.  

But some candidates that may be considered “outsiders” have gained attention, including lawyer Ross Dibello, councilman Basheer Jones, who was elected to city council in 2017; and businessman Justin Bibb, who has an endorsement from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. 

“Their lack of experience can hurt them, but it also as I say, provides this opportunity for people to project what they want in a candidate,” said Cassell.  

The race has seen some testy moments on debate stages, and two former mayors are endorsing different candidates. Frank Jackson is backing Kelley, while Michael White is throwing his support behind Justin Bibb. 

Cleveland faces several issues like a questionable recycling system and a stadium deal with Progressive Field, but Cassell said that this race is still centered on public safety, criminal justice and the economy.

“Will those same issues have as high assailant after the primary,” he said. “You know, maybe some of these other issues that are maybe harder to understand yet might have a bigger impact, might become more of an issue during the general election.”