Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Less than 24 hours after finishing the 2025 political season, the 2026 season has already ramped up with two prominent Democratic leaders seeking the same State Senate seat.
Jeremy Zellner announced on Wednesday he will be running for the 61st State Senate seat just hours after he orchestrated major, local victories in Buffalo, Amherst and elsewhere for the Erie County Democratic Party.
Zellner will be facing off, at least for now, against State Assemblyman Jon Rivera, who said he was interested in the seat last month.
The seat will soon be vacated on Jan. 1 when current State Sen. Sean Ryan is inaugurated as Buffalo's new mayor.
"I believe have the support," Zellner said.
The 61st State Senate district covers portions of North Buffalo, Amherst, Tonawanda and Grand Island.
"People know me there, and they know what I can bring," Zellner said.
As a prelude to his run, Zellner said he will resign, effective Jan. 1, as Erie County Board of Elections commissioner and will recuse himself from any Democratic Party issue related to the 61st State Senate race. For now, Zellner will remain as chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party.
The run will be Zellner's first in 14 years - when he ran but lost in an Erie County Legislature race.
"It's much different this time," Zellner said.
Presumably, Gov. Kathy Hochul will call for a special election to fill Ryan's seat and that election may take place as early as mid-February. Then, there may be a Democratic Party primary in the 61st State Senate District in June that will dovetail with any other primary races.
Finally, candidates will have to run in the November general election.
That translates to three elections in nine months.
"I can handle that," Zellner said.