The race for Youngstown Mayor has begun.

Two democratic candidates and one republican want to unseat mayor Tito Brown.

21 News reported on Republican Candidate Tracey Winbush filing her petition on Tuesday.

Winbush was the former treasurer for the Ohio Republican Party and former vice-chairman of the Mahoning County Republican Party. She's currently the host of a radio talk show called Tracey and Friends.

When asked about why she's deciding to run, Winbush says there has been a void in leadership amid the pandemic. She says children are out of school, and there needs to be an economic recovery plan.

"We are going to have to change what we are doing, we are going to have to partner with communities and we are going to have to regionalize," said Winbush. "We are going to have to have joint ventures with other communities and we are going to have to stop competing with one another but working together as a collaborative so we can actually sell the Mahoning Valley."

On the Democratic ticket will be Incumbent Mayor Tito Brown, First Ward Councilman Julius Oliver and business owner Ryan Kelly.

Brown said he views the competition as a sign the city is moving in the right direction and believes Youngstown is a better place than it was four years ago when he took office.

"I would point to the investment that we've had," said Brown.

Brown said private investors are doing more in the city and said he's worked to rebuild the city's reputation at the state and federal level to help continue the city's growth.

"I want to look at a Metro Economy. Not just looking at Youngstown or the county, but I want to look at the Ohio River," said Brown. "I'm part of eight mayors that we talked about the Marshall Plan, renewable energy, I want to plan for the future for the next generations and that's where I think my relationships at the state and federal level will pay off."

Councilman Oliver was elected in 2016. Oliver also has his own car washing business and is a lifelong resident.

"I think it's time for the city to have leadership that inspires you to get involved," said Oliver.

Oliver said economic development and education won't make enough difference if residents aren't inspired to change their mindset.

"You might be able to turn things around economically, but for instance, if the crime level in the city doesn't change then you still are going to prevent companies from coming, so it's going to require involvement to say to the people of Youngstown, 'Hey, the city cares about you. We need you to care about the city," said Oliver.

Ryan Kelly is also a lifelong resident of the city and owns three Belleria Pizza shops, although he is a new face to Youngstown politics.

"Number one on the qualification is 'do you believe in the city?' That's the most (important) thing. I don't play politics," said Ryan.

Ryan said the focus needs to be on keeping people in the city. Pointing out that more than 10-thousand people have graduated from Youngstown in the last four years.

"We got to start having them stay here," said Ryan. "Do I have the magic dust to say 'Oh, I'm going to bring business?' There're a million politicians who had that idea but at the end of the day it's being committed to it."

The Primary race is May 3.

Independent candidates have until May 2nd to file.