WARRENSVILLE HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Warrensville Heights Mayor Marcia L. Fudge is throwing her hat into the ring to replace U.S. Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones in congress.

Tubbs Jones, a Democrat who was the first black woman to represent Ohio in Congress, died last month after suffering a brain hemorrhage caused by a ruptured aneurysm.

Fudge released the following statement on Monday:

"On Saturday, Aug. 30, 2008, our community joined together to celebrate the life of my dear friend Stephanie Tubbs Jones. It was the spirit of unity, sincere outpouring of love and the prayers of many that have led me to declare my candidacy for the seat vacated by Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. I wish to continue her work and build on her legacy of kindness, good deeds, and zealous representation of all people of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio.

"It is my hope that the leadership of this community will develop a process of identifying a consensus candidate so that we may move forward together. It would be an honor and privilege to represent the 11th Congressional District of the State of Ohio."

The ballot replacement for Tubbs Jones will be selected by members of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party's executive committee who live in the 11th district.

Tubbs Jones' term expires at the end of December. A replacement likely will not be elected until November.