Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) Sean Ryan was sworn in as Buffalo’s 64th mayor during a New Year’s Day inauguration ceremony at Kleinhans Music Hall on the city’s West Side.
Ryan is the first mayor elected in Buffalo in 20 years. Former Mayor Byron Brown stepped down in October 2024 after accepting a position with Western Regional Off-Track Betting.
Chris Scanlon, the former Common Council president, served as interim mayor for 14 months following Brown’s departure.
Ryan formally resigned from the New York State Senate, submitting a letter to Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. His resignation took effect at 11:59 p.m. Dec. 31, ending his tenure as a state senator.
Gov. Kathy Hochul is expected to call a special election for Ryan’s vacant Senate seat within 10 days. The election must be held 40 to 50 days after it is called.