In just two weeks, Youngstown voters will cast their ballots in the primary election for who they want to run for Mayor this November.

Incumbent Mayor Tito Brown will face off against a familiar face in next month's Democratic primary. Brown and Councilwoman Samantha Turner took the stand at Monday's candidates forum at Union Baptist Church to speak on why they should lead the city. 

Incumbent Mayor Jamael Tito Brown has served as Youngstown's 51st Mayor for eight years.

"We're not where we want to be. But we're not where we used to be," he said to the crowd of voters. "We've come much further than we have over the last eight years."

Brown takes pride in shrinking crime rates since he took office, along with his efforts to improve community investment and quality of life. Brown also spoke on his ability to give a balanced budget to the city council throughout his time as Mayor. 

"Did you do what you said you were going to do as Mayor?' That's what I'm doing, and that's why I believe we can do better with economic development when we get in the room," he said.

Councilwoman Samantha Turner has served the third ward for six years.

"Over the last six years, as council and before that as a community volunteer, that has helped me to know the voice of the community," she said to the crowd.

She plans to reduce crime in the city, improve the relationship between residents and city leaders, boost economic development, enhance the small business community, and reduce poverty. 

"I know what they're asking for," she said. "I feel it every day. Every month at our ward meetings, I'm hearing what they're missing." Turner is calling for a reduction in neighborhood crime, with a focus on juveniles.

"That neighborhood crime has to be reduced," Turner said. "And that's a stronger police presence. That person who's speeding down your street, that person who's throwing trash out, they live in the neighborhood."

Mayor Brown added he wants the Mahoning County Board of Elections to stay in the city amid its potential uproot to Austintown. He also wants to focus on improving affordable housing and retaining young people to stay in the area.

"If you live in your home right now and you say, 'You know what, I just want to spruce it up a little bit,' we have money for that," Brown added. "So, we want to make sure that you stay in your home, that you want to move into the city, and that you want to become a homeowner."

While there are no Republicans on the ballot, Independent candidates include Derrick McDowell and John White.

The primary election falls on Tuesday, May 6.