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.

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.