BUFFALO, N.Y. — State Senator Sean Ryan (D) made it official Saturday after months of speculation that he will run to become the next Mayor of Buffalo in 2025.
The former state Assemblyman turned State Senator kicked off his campaign by stating "Buffalo deserves better" during his announcement speech at a Buffalo concert venue.
Ryan referred to himself as the son of a Buffalo firefighter and a lifelong lover of the city he seeks to represent. He was flanked by local union members holding signs that read "Sean Ryan for Buffalo" and featured a sun logo with lightning bolts, paying tribute to the city flag.
"We all work hard for this city and we deserve a city government that works hard for us," Ryan said.
The State Senator has been pseudo-campaigning for months while serving the 61st District, which includes the Upper West Side, Black Rock, and North Buffalo neighborhoods, often focusing on neighborhood issues in the city.
Over the summer many speculated that Ryan would make a run to be the city's 64th mayor after a noncommittal campaign committee called the Sean Ryan Victory Fund was registered with the New York State Board of Elections in July.
Ryan most recently won his reelection against Republican challenger Christine Czarnik winning 61% of the vote.
The State Senator enters a crowded race to be the next mayor.
Former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield told 2 On Your Side back in September that he was preparing to run.
Several individuals have teased on social media that they may run for the city's top seat including former Democratic primary winner India Walton. First-timer Ryan Caughill has stated on his X account that he will run as an Independent candidate.
Acting Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon, who was ceremonially sworn in as the city's 63rd Mayor on Tuesday, has not said whether or not he will seek to fill the office beyond the remaining time left by former Mayor Byron Brown.
This week the Erie County Democratic Committee announced it would hold three city-wide forums to explore potential mayoral candidates and hear their campaign plans ahead of making an endorsement.
The first forum is scheduled for Thursday, December 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center with the second and third forums set to happen in January and February.
According to Democratic Party Leadership, the forums will only be open to party members and those who wish to submit questions must do so in advance.
Erie County Republicans previously said they intend to have their own mayoral candidate for the race.