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Syracuse Democrats have endorsed Common Councilor Pat Hogan as their candidate for mayor. Hogan emerged as the frontrunner after receiving 60% of the weighted vote from city Democratic committee members, according to Syracuse.com. He will face Deputy Mayor Sharon Owens, who received 39% of the vote, in a primary election this June. Jimmy Oliver, the director of community engagement for the Syracuse Police Department, finished a distant third with 1%.
The endorsement bolsters Hogan's campaign as he prepares for what is expected to be a competitive primary. Hogan, who serves as the 2nd District Common Councilor, was selected on a second ballot due to his extensive experience as a City Hall employee and elected official, as reported by CNY Central.
The primary election is scheduled for June 24, and the winner will appear on the ballot in November. Current Mayor Ben Walsh is unable to run again due to term limits. Syracuse.com reports that the Democratic committee's endorsement secures a network of party leaders who will help gather signatures to ensure Hogan's place on the primary ballot.