YOUNGSTOWN — In his bid to be the next leader of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, Christopher Anderson has lined up several key endorsements including the party’s current chairwoman.

The party’s precinct committee members are scheduled to meet June 4 to elect the next chairman with Chairwoman Joyce Kale-Pesta not seeking another term.

Anderson, the president of the Ohio Young Democrats and a former county party political director, announced 18 endorsements Tuesday.

They include Kale-Pesta; county Commissioner Anthony Traficanti; Recorder Noralynn Palermo; Jaladah Aslam, president of the Youngstown Warren Black Caucus; former Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper; former county Democratic Party chairmen David Betras and Mike Morley; Austintown Democratic leader Andrea Paventi; AJ Elia, Mahoning County Young Democrats and Youngstown State University College Democrats president; Ohio Young Black Democrats President Jordan Hawkins; and Kathy DiCristofaro, former Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus chairwoman.

“I’m on my third rotation of calling precinct committee people,” Anderson said. “I’ve received overwhelming support. I don’t know if I’ll have opposition. If I do, I’ll be prepared for it. I feel uniquely suited to lead the party given my connections around the state and my involvement in the campaigns of numerous candidates.”

Anderson of Boardman said he will unveil another list of endorsements in the coming days.

The only potential challenge could come from Youngstown Councilman Mike Ray, D-4th Ward, and an Ohio Democratic state central committeeman.

“I’m still considering running,” Ray said. “I’ve been working and communicating with members of the party. I need to see what makes the most sense for me, how to best support the Democratic Party and what fits into my professional and personal life.”

Ray added: “My track record speaks for itself. I’ve got a long record of being a loyal and supportive Democrat.”

Asked about Anderson’s endorsements, Ray said: “I’m not going to be reactionary based on this information. I need to look at all aspects and make sure it make sense for me to run. These are all good Democrats. I want to do what’s best for the party and myself.”

Anderson said whether Ray challenges him, or not, “we need young leaders like Mike to be involved with the party.”

Kale-Pesta, chairwoman since May 2019, was critical of Anderson when he announced last September he was running to succeed her and complimented Ray.

Kale-Pesta, who won’t run for re-election and retired Nov. 30 as director of the county board of elections, said in September of Anderson: “I don’t like people who step over other people. I believe in manners and respect, and he doesn’t have many.” She also questioned if Anderson had “too much” ambition.

But on Tuesday, she said, “I thought he was a little pushy, and I didn’t know him that well. Through working with him on the precinct committee races I’ve gotten to know him. He’s young and full of energy and ideas. He’s got that fire in his belly and he loves politics. Chris has put in the work. He’s worked with (U.S. Sen.) Sherrod (Brown) and (U.S. Rep.) Tim Ryan and all of these officeholders. I hope he will invigorate the party.”

She said Ray has been uncertain about his candidacy.

Kale-Pesta said she plans to run for first vice chairwoman at the June 4 meeting.

While Democrats control all but one elected position in the county’s executive branch, Republicans have been significantly more competitive in the past few years. Also, the state Senate seat and one of two Ohio House positions in the county are held by Republicans. In 2020, Donald Trump was the first GOP presidential candidate since 1972 to win the county.

“I want the party to go forward,” Kale-Pesta said. “We’re struggling in Mahoning County. The Republicans have so much more money.”

Anderson said: “Joyce and I have had our differences, but we respect each other. I’m grateful for her support. I know I’ll have big shoes to fill.”

Anderson was a favorite to be elected chairman after Betras resigned in May 2019. But Anderson declined to run as he had a newborn. Kale-Pesta, who was first vice chairwoman at the time, ended up running unopposed to fill the remainder of Betras’ term.

If elected chairman, Anderson said he wants to rebuild and improve the party’s infrastructure, run a coordinated campaign to support all candidates, build a bench of diverse candidates and future leaders who will run for offices such as township trustee and for the school board now and then for higher offices in a few years, use more technology and leverage “my relationships with folks around the state to raise funds and get top surrogates here.”