Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - We're tracking the latest comings and goings following Tuesday's Democratic primary election for Buffalo Mayor.
State Sen. Sean Ryan is advancing to the general election in November as the Democratic nominee. However, Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon's next move is unclear.
"Scanlon gave a heartfelt and emotional speech on primary night," said WBEN
contributor Carl Calabrese on Thursday. "I think he was devastated by the loss. An election loss is a really tough thing to deal with when you put your whole heart and soul into a campaign. He has also had the emotional difficulty in dealing with the deaths of his father and brother in the past year. I think we need to give him a little time.
"The question he needs to ask his advisors is, what is the path to 50%, plus one? That's a critical question, and right now, it looks like a tough road to hoe for the Scanlon campaign."
In the turnout battle, the Democrat organization behind Ryan delivered.
Scanlon got over 75% of the vote in the South District, but Ryan got 75% in the Niagara District, 67% in the Delaware District, 57% in the North District and 55% in the Ellicott District. That's something Calabrese called a "supercharged response."
Former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield Jr., meanwhile, has announced he is stepping away from the race for Mayor, with no intention to continue on a third-party line.
WBEN has a call out to University District Councilman Rasheed Wyatt, who finished the primary with 8% of the vote.
Republican James Gardner will be representing the Republican party on the ballot for Buffalo Mayor in November.
"The contrast could not be greater," Gardner told WBEN on Wednesday. "It's been generations since there has been a contest like this in the City of
Buffalo."
Also appearing on the November ballot is activist Michael Gainer, who will be running for Mayor under the "Restore Buffalo" party.
If Ryan is successful in November, what happens to his Senate seat?
Calabrese says it's something he's watching closely.
"There have been rumors that Jeremy Zellner is interested in becoming a State Senator. I would also say that based on viability and exposure, you have to keep an eye on Mitch Nowakowski, who seems to be everywhere. I also hear that Assemblyman Jon Rivera may be interested," he said. "If Zellner goes for it, would another Democrat candidate want to take on a sitting County Chairman? Stay tuned."