Primary: Bryant, Norris-Diez compete to challenge Theaker in November

MANSFIELD — One thing is certain to be true after Tuesday’s Democratic Party primary election for mayor of Mansfield.

The winner will pose a youthful challenge in November to an established Republican incumbent seeking a third and final term in office.

That’s because either Don Bryant, 33, or Victoria Norris-Diez, 37, will carry the party’s banner into the fall against Tim Theaker, 65, who has actually been married longer (42 years) than either potential challenger has been alive.

The two Democrats competing Tuesday do have things in common.

Both have waged largely positive campaigns resulting in a spirited primary. It’s included countless personal appearances, endless door-knocking, lots of print literature and heavy participation in party events. Both have engaged in significant social media and other digital campaign efforts.

In addition to campaign websites, each created Facebook pages featuring almost daily messaging, photos and videos. Both candidates, who announced their candidacies in December, say they offer a new generation of leadership.

Both have been effective fundraisers.

Bryant, who began this effort with $1,326 remaining since his last campaign finance report, reported raising $7,170 more by the April 25 filing deadline. Norris-Diez has raised $9,658. Bryant had outspent Norris-Diez, $8,374 to $3,272, at the filing deadline.

Both candidates have energized younger voters to come out and participate in the local political process, some perhaps for the first time.

Both candidates speak about the importance of growing business in the city, which depends largely on income tax for its revenue and is just a few years removed from a stint in a state-imposed fiscal emergency program.

Bryant’s campaign speaks of “Moving Mansfield Forward.” Norris-Diez’s platform is focused on “Mansfield Works.”

There are some notable differences.

Bryant is in the final year of his first four-year term as an At-Large member of the Democrat-controlled Mansfield City Council, serving as chairman of the Safety and Airport committees. He was unopposed in the 2015 general election council race after beating one opponent in the primary that year. Bryant ran for state representative in 2014, but lost in the general election.

Norris-Diez is in her first try for public office. 

Bryant, of 913 Brookfield Dr., #3, graduated from Mansfield Senior High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in political science/international relations from the Ohio State University in 2011, and a master’s degree in education from Capella University in 2013.

Norris-Diez, of 595 Woodhill Road, graduated from Galion High School in 2000 and earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from The Ohio State University in 2004.

Bryant has worked in education, including a stint as a teacher in Mansfield City Schools. He left a job at the University of Akron in 2018 to focus full-time on his campaign.

Norris-Diez was recruited as an undergrad to work for a brand marketing agency in Los Angeles, before returning to Mansfield. She is married and the mother of twin 6-year-old children. The local entrepreneur, who announced in April the sale of her Mansfield start-up e-commerce business, NytStnd, said she’s also focused full-time on the campaign.

Bryant, who is single, said he is “running for (mayor) to change the conversation and story of what Mansfield used to have in the past to what Mansfield will have moving forward.”

Norris-Diez said she was inspired by the group of local residents who started the Mansfield Rising movement. She said residents are pushing for change, but need new, positive leadership in the mayor’s office.

“Even before I ran for office, I heard from fellow parents and friends in the city that they are concerned with a lack of progress and vision they’ve seen, and re-electing candidates who have been in this current government is not real change,” Norris-Diez said.

During a recent speech at a party luncheon, Norris-Diez said she relates to Mansfield residents.

“I see you. I see your struggles and your dreams and what you want to see happen in Mansfield. I know what you want, because I want it, too,” she said.

“I have learned Mansfield is seeking a leader who will make our entire community a priority in terms of services, will focus on all our residents and especially those who are falling behind, and lastly, will work towards bringing inclusive prosperity to all our residents through jobs and opportunities.”

Norris-Diez said she is a proven job creator.

“I started a business from scratch that became an employer in this community and that has included some second-chance citizens. Through my previous business experience, I knew that by creating an e-commerce business that would have a national and international reach, it would not only bring success to me personally, but would bring recognition to Mansfield with a worldwide reach. I relate so much to Mansfield because it needs a second chance, just like I did before I grew my business,” she said.

She also cited her experience as a brand marketing manager.

“I worked in the world of public relations, marketing and sales, all of which will be necessary for Mansfield when we are refreshing our brand as a city and courting new business. The ability to sell business to business and also direct to customer are skills that I possess that promoted me throughout my career,” she said. “In all of my years of experience in business, whether it was in the corporate world or my own business, it was all about building a great team and being able to walk into a room and earn someone’s business.

“Mansfield deserves an overhaul of its city services and business outreach and with my background in sales and marketing, as well as my ability to efficiently manage a thriving business while having an active family, Mansfield will shine brighter than ever before.”