Polensek announces another council run

Why it matters: The decision sets up one of only two contested races between council incumbents in the 2025 cycle, against Anthony Hairston.

• In the new Ward 5, incumbents Richard Starr and Rebecca Maurer are both running.

Catch up quick: When new wards were drawn this year, it was clear the Northeast side Ward 10, which includes both North and South Collinwood, could pit incumbents against each other.

• At the time, Polensek and Hairston vowed to run a "gentleman's match."
• Polensek previously filed with the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, but left room for a potential withdrawal from the race.

What he's saying: In a press release Monday, Polensek said the decision to run has been one of the most challenging of his long career.

• "However, when I examined all the major initiatives and projects I have been working on for years with my community, along with the challenges facing our city and the Cleveland City Council, I felt that I could not walk away from my responsibilities at this time."