Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo's Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon will not run in the general election for mayor this coming November, as confirmed to WBEN on Friday.
Scanlon released the following statement on Friday:
"After careful consideration, hours of thoughtful debate, and heartfelt conversations with my wife, my family, friends, and supporters, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to suspend my campaign for Mayor of the City of Buffalo and forgo the Independent line on the ballot this November.
"This was not an easy choice—it was, without question, heartbreaking. I am profoundly grateful to the thousands of people who believed in our vision for Buffalo and cast their votes in support of our campaign. Your trust, your hope, and your belief in the future we imagined together will stay with me forever.
"To my team—there are no words to truly describe the effort you put into this. I am proud of each and every one of you and what we’ve been able to accomplish together.
"For the remainder of my term as Mayor of the City of Buffalo, I am as dedicated as I was the day I stepped into the office in October. I will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of our residents and taxpayers to advance the initiatives we’ve begun — initiatives that I truly believe will leave Buffalo in the best position moving forward.
"I look forward to getting back to work, fully focused on serving the people of Buffalo and delivering on the commitments we’ve made."
State Sen. Sean Ryan beat out Scanlon by almost 3,000 votes during the primary election on Tuesday.
Erie County Democratic Committee Chair Jeremy Zellner released the following statement on Friday:
"On Tuesday, the Democratic voters of Buffalo resoundingly chose Sen. Sean Ryan to be the next Mayor of Buffalo and bring change to City Hall.
"But our work is not done; with a self-funding MAGA extremist still on the mayoral ballot, Democrats must put the primary behind us as we unite to elect Sen. Ryan and Democrats across Erie County this November and prepare to re-elect Gov. Kathy Hochul in 2026.
"I am grateful to Chris Scanlon for today’s decision, and for the leadership and dedication that has always defined his service to the people of Buffalo.
"Mayor Scanlon took office at a challenging time. He, his family, friends and supporters are to be commended for the commitment they have shown to the city.
"Chris Scanlon believes deeply in public service, and I am confident that his great contributions to our party and community are far from over.
Erie County Republican Chairman Michael Kracker also issued this statement:
"With Mayor Chris Scanlon stepping aside, Buffalo voters now face a clear choice between Socialist Sean Ryan or common sense law and order candidate James Gardner.
"Sean Ryan’s record is no different than self-avowed New York City Socialist Zohran Mamdani, and both are backed by the radical Working Families Party, that supports defunding our police and is out of touch with the hardworking people of Buffalo.
"The Republican Party will run an aggressive campaign to give voters a candidate who supports lower taxes, safer streets, and a stronger local economy. That choice is James Gardner.
"It’s time to end the decades of decline in Buffalo. We welcome Chris Scanlon’s supporters and every voter who wants a better Buffalo to join us in this fight to save our city."