Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York State Assemblyman Jon Rivera, who represents the Assembly's 149th District, is the first Democrat to throw his hat in the ring for Sean Ryan's seat representing the 61st District in the State Senate, should Ryan be elected Buffalo's next mayor.
Rivera has been in office since 2021, representing parts of Buffalo and Lackawanna, the Town of Hamburg, Villages of Blasdell and Hamburg and the Hamlet of Lake View.
"Our community needs a fighter, someone who will stand up to MAGA extremism and deliver real results for the families of Buffalo, Amherst, Tonawanda, Grand Island, and everywhere in between," said Rivera in a video announcing his candidacy.
Erie County's Republican Committee was quick to respond to the announcement. Chairman Michael Kracker released the following statement criticizing local Democrats:
"Today’s announcement from Jon Rivera is another reminder of how little respect local Democrats have for voters in Erie County. The people of Buffalo haven’t cast their ballots for mayor yet, and the career politicians are already lining up for their next promotion. It’s the same political insiders playing musical chairs while ignoring the real problems facing working families."
The 61st State Senate District includes parts of Buffalo, the City of Tonawanda, the towns of Amherst, Grand Island and Tonawanda, as well as the villages of Kenmore and Williamsville.