Owens Wins Syracuse Mayoral Primary; Progressive Candidates Claim Common Council, School Board Nominations

Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens secured the Democratic nomination for mayor of Syracuse on Tuesday, defeating Common Councilor Pat Hogan and Council President Pro Tempore Chol Majok in a decisive primary victory.

Deputy Mayor, Sharon Owens, addresses supporters after democratic primary win

Owens, who received approximately 62% of the vote, campaigned on a platform centered on affordable housing, public safety and neighborhood revitalization. If elected in November, she would become the first Black mayor in Syracuse’s history.

"I’m grateful to the voters for believing in the future we’re building together," Owens said during her victory speech Tuesday night. "This is about creating a Syracuse where everyone belongs and prospers."

Hogan garnered about 23% of the vote, while Majok finished with approximately 15%, according to unofficial results from the Onondaga County Board of Elections.

Owens will face Republican Thomas Babilon and Independents Tim Rudd and Alphonso Davis in the Nov. 4 general election.

In the race for Syracuse Common Council’s two at-large seats, voters nominated Rasheada Caldwell, a current councilor, and Hanah Ehrenreich, a political newcomer backed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Ehrenreich’s victory marks a progressive shift on the council and came at the expense of incumbent Amir Gethers, who placed third in a four-way contest.

“I’m proud that Syracuse voters chose bold leadership and a fresh vision for equity and justice in our city,” Ehrenreich said Tuesday.

Caldwell and Ehrenreich are currently unopposed by Republican or independent candidates in the general election and are expected to be seated on the council.

Three candidates also emerged as top vote-getters in the Democratic primary for the Syracuse City School District Board of Education: incumbent Karen Cordano, education advocate Twiggy Billue and newcomer Michael Root. They are set to appear on the ballot in the November general election, which will determine who fills the open seats.

With Tuesday’s results, Democrats are poised to maintain their political stronghold in Syracuse, though the general election could bring additional challenges. The mayoral race remains competitive with multiple candidates vying to succeed outgoing Mayor Ben Walsh, an independent who did not seek re-election.

The primary results must be certified by the Onondaga County Board of Elections. Voter turnout figures were not immediately available but appeared consistent with past off-year primaries.

General Election Preview

Mayor: Sharon Owens (D), Thomas Babilon (R), Tim Rudd (I), Alphonso Davis (I)

Common Council At-Large: Rasheada Caldwell (D), Hanah Ehrenreich (D)

School Board: Karen Cordano (D), Twiggy Billue (D), Michael Root (D)

The general election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 4.