BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — State Senator Sean Ryan is moving on to the general election after winning the Democratic primary for mayor of Buffalo on Tuesday night.
Ryan, who was backed by the Erie County Democratic Committee, saw strong turnout across the city, including key wins in council districts like the West Side, Masten, North Buffalo, and Black Rock.
WATCH: What’s next in the race for Buffalo mayor after Sean Ryan won the Democratic primary
“I’m so happy that my support came from all areas of the city,” Ryan told 7 News after results came in. “There was a real groundswell of support.”
Experience, Ground Game and a 'Back to Basics' Message
Ryan first became a state lawmaker in 2011, serving in the New York State Assembly before joining the Senate in 2020. He said his experience in Albany — combined with his outsider status in City Hall — resonated with voters frustrated by what he describes as declining city services.
“We deserve better,” he said. “People know services have been going downhill in Buffalo for a long time…and I think they trusted someone with a record outside of City Hall to come in and fix the problems.”
His campaign focused on restoring basic city services like plowing, pothole repair, and community center funding, while also addressing long-term challenges like vacant lots, housing, and lead exposure in children.
Unclear Future for Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon
While Ryan advances, Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon’s next move remains unclear.
Scanlon previously told 7 News he intended to appear on the November ballot as an independent. He performed well in the South, Fillmore and Lovejoy districts, but has not confirmed whether he’ll continue his campaign.
“I have a responsibility to manage the city every day,” Scanlon said following the primary. “I think we’ve made major progress over the last eight months — on financial solvency, communication, and services.”
Whitfield Off the Ballot After Petition Challenge
Former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield had also planned to run on the independent line. However, a Board of Elections hearing determined that some of the petition signatures submitted to get him on the ballot were invalid.
Whitfield told me that he won’t be pursuing the independent line in November and said: “I believe we have a good chance of winning in court, as there is a different standard from the BoE…but continuing beyond that would require my continued financing and limited resources...instead, we will find ways to continue to advocate for our community and speak truth to power.”
What November Could Look Like
Looking ahead to the general election:
- Sean Ryan will appear as the Democratic nominee
- Michael Gainer is running under the Restore Buffalo Party
- Attorney James Gardner will represent the Republican Party
If Scanlon remains in the race, Buffalo could once again see another packed race.
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