1973 Cleveland mayoral election

The Cleveland mayoral election of 1973 saw the reelection of Ralph Perk.
This was the first Cleveland mayoral election to use a nonpartisan system.

Primary election

Candidates

James M. Carney, businessman and 1971 Democratic Party nominee for mayor
Ralph Perk, incumbent mayor
Joseph Pirincin, 1971 Socialist Labor Party nominee for mayor
Robbie Scherr

General election

On October 11, James M. Carney withdrew from the race, citing "personal" reasons. Carney's campaign committee selected then-City Council Clerk Mercedes R. Cotner to replace him on the ballot.