Joe Jones' endorsement at risk after explosive report
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Members of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Executive Committee will convene this weekend to reconsider the party's endorsement of Cleveland City Councilman Joe Jones in Ward 1.
State of play: The party endorsed Jones' reelection campaign earlier this month.
- But party chair Dave Brock is calling for a new vote after an investigative report released last week found that Jones threatened to kill a City Hall staffer and violated a no-contact order with another employee.
Catch up quick: Jones had already been reprimanded earlier this year for workplace misconduct in 2024 and is barred from participating in council committee meetings through the end of his term.
What they're saying: "When members previously voted on August 5th, the information now available in the public report was not before them," Brock said in a news release.
- "They have the right to evaluate these allegations in relation to their decision to endorse."
The other side: In a letter reported by Cleveland Urban News, Jones accused Brock of subverting party bylaws to throw his weight behind Jones' main opponent, state Rep. Juanita Brent, who also serves as the party's vice chair.
- "If you do this Mr. Chairman, the Democratic Party will become just like the Republicans, showing no regard for the rule of law or history," Jones wrote.
Brock responded in a letter, obtained by Axios, that rejects Jones' criticism and argues that "extraordinary circumstances" demanded reconsideration by party members.
- He said that his decision was consistent with the guidance of the party's legal counsel and that he specifically excluded Brent in all deliberations on the matter.
- "My decision was made solely in the best interests of the party."
How it works: The vote will take place via Zoom at 10am Saturday and will be livestreamed on YouTube.
By the numbers: Under the party's rules, Jones must receive at least 60% of members' votes to retain the endorsement.
- If Brent or another candidate receives at least 60% of the votes, they will become the party's endorsed candidate.
- If no candidate reaches the 60% threshold, the endorsement will be rescinded.