BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - It's been a whirlwind for likely Democrat Buffalo Mayoral Primary winner India Walton.
"There are about 47 missed calls and text messages that I haven't returned yet," said the political newcomer on WBEN. National media has also been reaching out. Walton appeared on CNN Wednesday morning. News of the stunning upset is appearing in the New York Times, NBC, Politico, USA Today and Mother Jones, to name a few." This is an exciting time. We're bringing our small city into the national spotlight," she said.
Walton woke up to the reality of becoming the apparent next mayor of Buffalo and first female mayor of the Queen city. She leads four term incumbent Mayor Byron Brown by 1507 votes with 100% of in person and early votes tabulated. Absentee and provisional ballots still have to be counted.
"It's hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that a person with my background has been able to successfully challenge and win against a 16 year heavily entrenched incumbent to become the first female to lead the city of
Buffalo, the second largest city in the state. But it's proof in the power of organizing and the power of people."
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The 38 year old Walton is a self described Democrat Socialist. "To me, that means putting people first. We put people over profits. We value labor, especially labor performed by women and marginalized people who are often overlooked."
Walton is holding onto a fairly comfortable lead with just a small percentage of absentee votes to be counted. Turnout on Primary day was low. 21,407 votes were cast in the city of Buffalo. That includes about 8500 early votes. There are 156-thousand registered voters in the city of Buffalo. Absentee ballots are still coming in. They had to be postmarked by Tuesday in order to be counted.
Walton received less than 12,000 votes Tuesday. Still, she still considers the Primary a mandate from voters. "I do. My prayer is that my administration can be a source of hope that invigorates the electorate."
Walton wants to return to a place of deep civic engagement. "This campaign
has always been about democracy and co-governance. I look forward to
encouraging people to be a part of the process. We are going to implement
participatory budgeting and neighborhood planning. My team is ready
to go out and have listening sessions with block clubs and neighborhood groups and really get people engaged and excited about local government.
The way we build Buffalo back better, is together, and I need all hands on deck," she said.
For those who are hearing about India Walton for the first time, this is what she wants wants people to know about her. "I am here for everyone. My world view is inclusive and I truly and deeply love the city of Buffalo and the people who live here and I look forward to being a mayor who cares for the least and the greatest."