Another candidate has entered the race for Mayor of Youngstown after he was previously disqualified for running in a past election.

John White, who campaigned for mayor in 2021, but was disqualified due to registered voter and partisan voter violations is back to try again for the 2025 mayoral election in Youngstown.

White is once again running as an independent. In a statement emailed to 21 News, White says he's seen the city "steadily declining" and criticized Mayor Tito Brown's administration.

"No leadership on crime, economic development and quality of life. This administration has turned a blind eye to the residents. The income tax in the city has driven firms from our borders and kept new investment from looking at us. Ever-increasing water rates and fiscal irresponsible spending has broken our budget and increased the burden on those left or unable to move," White said.

White went on to promise to lower the city's income tax, address the issue of violence in the community and cut increases on water bills "by whatever means necessary."

White is the husband of Youngstown Seventh Ward Councilwoman Amber White. She was elected in November of 2023 unseating previous seventh ward councilwoman Basia Adamczak.

In addition to Mayor Brown, White is also challenged by Youngstown Flea founder Derrick McDowell who also recently announced his campaign for mayor. You can read more about McDowell's campaign here.