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Former State Senator Nina Turner to announce bid for Ohio's 11th Congressional seat on Tuesday

Turner most recently co-chaired Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign. She'll be running to replace Marcia Fudge, who will join President-elect Biden's cabinet.

CLEVELAND — 3News' Mark Naymik has learned that on Tuesday, former State Senator Nina Turner will announce her bid for the 11th Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge. 

Fudge was tapped by President-elect Joe Biden to serve as secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Turner, who co-chaired Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders 2020 presidential campaign, filed federal paperwork last week establishing a campaign committee for the run but has not commented. 

If Fudge is appointed, Gov. DeWine will set a date for a special primary and general election to fill the seat. 

Turner filed federal paperwork last week indicating her interest in campaigning for the seat, and is expected to formally announce her intentions soon. The 53-year-old John F. Kennedy High School grad has earned a national following for her progressive politics and blunt commentary, often at the expense of the Democratic establishment.

Shontel Brown, the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Chair and a county councilwoman, who considers Fudge a mentor, is also expected to vie for the open seat.

Other local Cleveland officials as well as civic and religious leaders are also reportedly considering a bid, though they lack the backings of party insiders that Brown and Turner have already locked up. Those reportedly considering the run for the seat include State Rep. John Barnes, Pastor Jawanza Colvin, Cleveland Councilman Blaine Griffin, former Cleveland Councilman Jeff Johnson, and former State Sen. Shirley Smith.

The Republican Party will likely field a candidate, but the GOP historically has been crushed in this district. That means the special Democratic Party primary will most likely decide who heads to Washington.

Several factors will influence who wins the primary. First, whomever Marcia Fudge endorses will have an advantage. She’s proven she can sway party insiders, who play a big role in endorsing a candidate. Brown remains close to Fudge. But the progressive wing of the party will matter, as will money. On these fronts, Turner could have an edge. Tapping a national progressive base, she could raise money more easily.

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Editor's Note: The below story aired on December 9, 2020

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