Youngstown voters have made their decision on who they want to lead the city for the next four years. 

Independent candidate Derrick McDowell defeated Democrat Jamael Tito Brown, who was seeking a third term in office.

McDowell received 4,570 votes to Brown's 3,669. 

Supporters of the McDowell campaign gathered in downtown Youngstown to celebrate.

"This is not a moment to puff myself up. This is actually a moment where I literally want to roll my sleeves up right here and right now and say, let's get to work. Let's get to work. Youngstown, because our future, our future, our future, our future, our future," said McDowell.

McDowell campaigned on several issues, including economic development, education, a transparent and accountable city hall, and looking for ways to stabilize the city's population.

Once sitting in City Hall, McDowell's first priorities are to open communication between city hall and the community, and to change Youngstown's image.

"This marks 48 years that we've been lamenting the loss of the mills, and so we've got to reclaim our identity," said McDowell. "We can preserve and pay homage to, but we've got to put a nail in that coffin for this community and move forward, that the mob can no longer define who we are."

McDowell is a Youngstown businessman who has been running The Youngstown Flea in the city for the last 10 years. Before owning Flea, McDowell served as the community engagement and inclusion coordinator for the Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre and Riverfront Park, and had previously held a management position with AT&T.

Brown first took office in 2018. Before becoming mayor, Brown was the Chief Deputy Treasurer at the Mahoning County Treasurer’s office. Brown also served as the Director of the Human Relations Commission for Youngstown, a 3rd Ward City Councilman, and was a member of the Youngstown City School Board.

Brown campaigned on the changes the city has seen under his administration, including the decline in crime and the ongoing redevelopment.

McDowell did not say how he will build off of the current administration's plans, but said he does plan to speak on it in the future.

"We've given opportunity to folks. We've given eight years to Mayor Brown, and we're thankful for that service to this community, but we know that to everything is a time and a season," said McDowell.

McDowell said as mayor, he will continue speaking to businesses and Youngstown residents to see how to best help the community.

"You would not believe how a community would react to being forgotten about, to being left out, to being ignored. So communication must be a priority from City Hall," said McDowell.

McDowell grew up on the city's South Side and graduated from Chaney High School.

The last independent who won in Youngstown was Jay Williams in 2005. 

See all election results here. 

Also, you can view Tito Brown's reaction to the loss here.