Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It was no surprise Saturday when Erie County Democrats endorsed New York State Sen. Sean Ryan in the race for Mayor of Buffalo.
To the surprise and criticism of a number of other candidates in the race, most notably Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon, party chairman Jeremy Zellner publicly leaked that Ryan would be the likely choice before the vote was held Saturday.
The endorsement followed a process that began in December, and included three conventions for city committee members.
"I am deeply grateful to have earned the trust and endorsement of the Erie County Democratic Committee after months of hard work knocking on doors, meeting with committee members, and listening to concerns of people across Buffalo," Ryan said. "This campaign is about building a better Buffalo."
Zellner said the party’s executive committee backed Ryan, based on the feedback and straw-poll votes of the city’s elected committee membership.
“By the time we concluded the third convention Tuesday, a clear and growing consensus was building within the committee and among city Zone Leaders in favor of Sen. Ryan and change at City Hall. It is my responsibility and the executive committee’s obligation to listen to those voices and act on their behalf,” Zellner said.
Ryan was elected to the State Assembly in 2011 and the State Senate in 2020. He represents the 61st Senate District, including parts of Buffalo, the City of Tonawanda, and the towns of Amherst, Grand Island, and Tonawanda.
The race for the mayor's office is a complicated and crowded one. A field of candidates will face off in a primary election in June.
In addition to Scanlon, the field of candidates includes former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield and University District Councilman Rasheed Wyatt.
In a statement following the endorsement Saturday, Erie County Republican Party Chairman Michael Kracker promised the GOP would give voters in Buffalo a "real choice", hinting a candidate from the party would be fielded.