A Youngstown City Councilwoman has just announced her candidacy for mayor.

During a Tuesday afternoon press conference, Third Ward Councilwoman Samantha Turner announced her candidacy for Mayor of Youngstown. She will be running as a Democrat.

Turner is basing her campaign on economic development, crime reduction, neighborhood improvement and relationship building across the city.

"I've learned a lot about the inner workings of city hall, the relationships inside and outside, the budget and policies and procedures," Turner said. "That experience coupled with my dedication as a community activist, volunteer and young professional, I feel that I am prepared to be the mayor of Youngstown," she said.

Turner says she has an "actionable plan" to move the city forward.

"I didn't make this decision flippantly. After a lot of time, consideration and consulting with friends and family, I decided it was time for me to step into the next realm of leadership here in the City of Youngstown," Turner said.

Turner says the number one thing she wants to focus on as mayor is crime reduction.

"We have to be very, very tough on crime here. Our communities are small and we are building our communities back again, so we have to know we will not accept a predator," Turner said.

Turner said her goal is to increase trust, transparency and accountability. 

In addition to incumbent fellow Democratic mayoral candidate Jamael "Tito" Brown, Turner will be challenged by Youngstown Flea Founder Derrick McDowell and John White, who is the husband of Seventh Ward Councilwoman Amber White.

Both McDowell and White are running as Independents.