(Columbus, OH)—Today, Ohio Citizen Action (OCA) proudly announced the organization’s endorsement of Shammas Malik for Akron Mayor in the May 2nd primary election. This is the first primary election candidate endorsement ever offered by OCA. In November 2022, OCA endorsed statewide, Congressional, and state legislative candidates for the first time in nearly 30 years.  

“There is an opportunity for the voters of Akron to fill an open seat for Mayor with a candidate who is committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a sustainable future for the City of Akron,” said Ohio Citizen Action Political Director, Kyle Marcum. “Malik has a comprehensive climate platform that includes creating green building standards and increasing the use of electric vehicles in municipal fleets. This forward-thinking vision is exactly why he has earned the OCA endorsement in the Democratic primary election.”

Malik has been a member of the Akron City Council since 2019. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School, and served two years as the city’s Assistant Director of Law. If victorious, Malik would also be the first person of color to ever be elected as the Mayor of Akron. 

As part of their work around these endorsements, OCA will be knocking on doors and talking with Akron voters in support of Malik’s candidacy. OCA is a c4 organization that focuses on mobilizing Ohioans around improving environmental quality, protecting consumers, and preserving voting rights.

“For years, Akron was known as the Rubber Capital of the World. It was named an All-America City by the National Civic League on four occasions,” said Marcum. “Over time, however, this industrial powerhouse has struggled to find the innovation, leadership, and inclusion needed to carry Akron into a more vibrant future.  One candidate for Mayor can ensure the city continues this progress and does so with sustainability and justice in mind. It is time for a new generation of leadership. OCA is proud to endorse Shammas Malik as our candidate for the Mayor of Akron.”